Life-Saving Heart Surgery for Geoff Nyarota
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Malawi Police at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe have intercepted and seized 2, 259 masks from a Chinese national who attempted to export them to coronavirus disease hit China.
According to KIA police spokesperson Sapulaine Chitonde, Liu Rishan, 38, whose passport number is E27915003, was intercepted on Tuesday while on his way back home on Ethiopian Airlines after a visit to his relative in Lilongwe.
Upon his arrival at KIA’s main entrance door to the departure’s lounge, Chitonde said, officers manning the X-ray machine observed some strange items which were detected by the machine and physical search was instituted which exposed the said medical masks mixed up with some biscuits and chocolates.
“He was asked to produce supporting documents following the stop order by the government, dated 14 February 2020, which temporarily restricted exportation of medical products following the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus in China.
“Rishan failed to produce the documents leading to the seizure of the masks,” said Chitonde.
Meanwhile, Director of Airport Police Securities Tiyese Chiumbuzo has since warned those buying the masks or any other Coronavirus related products with an aim of smuggling them out to stop it at once.
He has further reminded all security agents manning all the Airports in the country as well as the land borders to be vigilant and enhance the searching of passengers.
Rishan, however, told the police that he wanted to export the masks to help his family back in China from contracting the deadly Coronavirus.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has advised citizens to maintain excellent levels of hygiene in the wake of the deadly coronavirus.
Mnangagwa issued the advise amid revelations by the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary-general Norman Matara that Zimbabwe does not have basic equipment required in the identification of the coronavirus also known as Covid-19.
Matara said the country only had two World Health Organisation-recommended diagnostic computerised tomography (CT) scans adding that there were no adequate ventilators for continuous supply of oxygen needed by coronavirus patients.
Said Mnangagwa:
“I urge my fellow Zimbabweans to maintain excellent levels of personal hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough, and avoid unnecessary travel abroad. We must keep our nation, safe, secure and healthy.”
– ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW –
By A Correspondent| As government goes ahead to push through constitutional amendments to turn Emmerson Mnangagwa into a monster leader with powers far greater than President Robert Mugabe’s, just what type of a country is this lovely nation about to turn into? Hard Video V11s show the ZANU PF leader saying he believes that all election winners are mere corpses, literally.
In a chilling warning during the same function where he said if he were God, he would deprive all MDC supporters of oxygen, Mnangagwa told a Masvingo gathering in May 2015, democracy is only found among corpses.
He spoke in the Shona vernacular saying, “to all of us here I always ask where are the majority, among the living or among the corpses?
“They are among the dead.
“Democracy says we must go to the majority. That’s why there is death on earth.
“It’s democracy, those who win elections are the majority.”
Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation have postponed all World Cup 2022 qualifiers in Asia which were scheduled for March and June due to the coronavirus.
Several cases of the disease have been reported around the word with the most hit areas being found in the eastern continent where the virus originated.
The development was confirmed by the world football body in statement on Monday.
Here is the statement.
Following consultation with Asia’s member associations, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have agreed to postpone the upcoming Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ as follows:
However, in order to support the member associations concerned, and provided that the safety of all individuals involved meets the required standards and that the member associations due to play each other mutually agree, the match(es) may still be played during the international windows of March or June 2020, but always subject to prior approval from both FIFA and the AFC.
FIFA and the AFC have also agreed to postpone the AFC Futsal Championship Turkmenistan 2020, which serves as the qualifiers for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2020, until 5-16 August 2020.
The upcoming qualifiers for the Olympic Football Tournaments are foreseen to be played as scheduled, with the exception of the women’s Olympic qualifiers play-off between Korea Republic and China PR, which will now take place during the international window of 1-10 June 2020.
FIFA and the AFC will continue to assess the situation in relation to COVID-19 and will decide whether further changes to the schedule of Asian FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers are required, always with the aim of protecting the safety and health of all individuals involved.
Mthuli Ncube and John Mangudya State Media|Foreign exchange will be traded freely among banks as Zimbabwe’s financial authorities upgrade official forex trading by bringing in an electronic trading platform, allowing a managed float of the Zimbabwe dollar, introducing measures to mop up excess corporate liquidity, spreading Government disbursements evenly to prevent bulges in money supply and curbing black market trading.
Announcing the new raft of measures yesterday as part of Government efforts to stabilise foreign exchange trading, exchange rates and inflation, Finance and Economic Development Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube said a broad-based taskforce will oversee the package of new policy measures designed to open markets in a phased manner.
He told bankers and journalists that the taskforce will be spearheaded by his ministry and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and will include members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC).
The planned policy interventions were part of the de-dollarisation roadmap and come as a result of a recent surge in the black market exchange rates driven by a bulge in Zimbabwe-dollar holdings by a small group of corporates and an official foreign exchange trading platform that needed to be more transparent and effective.
The high liquidity by the small number of corporates, with 200 holding about half of Zimbabwe’s total money supply according to the latest RBZ report, was interacting with a limited pool of free funds largely fed by Diaspora transfers, pushing up black market rates.
The programme is designed to prevent the bulges in holdings, mop up some of the corporate liquidity and ensure the official market is more responsive and open.
RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya, said the measures to stabilise the exchange rate were critical given its pass through effect on inflation.
Minister Ncube said Government was cognisant of the fact that unrestrained money supply was one of the fundamental causes of inflation and depreciation of the exchange rate, as happened prior 2009.
“In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, currency taskforce has been set up,” Minister Ncube said.
He said Zimbabwe will introduce a managed floating exchange rate trading system and an electronic forex trading platform, which will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely among banks to determine a true market exchange rate.
The minister said the country had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform, which resulted in official rates not being effectively determined, giving rise to a thriving black market.
The official exchange rate stood at $18,5 to the US dollar.
Bureaux de Change will also participate on the electronic platform. The minister said the Bureaux de Change rules were being liberalised so that they can conduct a wide range of transactions including financing importers.
On its part, the RBZ will provide liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate where necessary, which will be accessed at the market determined interbank exchange rate.
The interbank market has been using the mid-rate to determine the daily exchange rate since September last year to avoid free-fall of the domestic currency.
Treasury will maintain cash budgeting, thus severely limiting growth in local currency money supply, as part of the measures to stabilise the rate and inflation. It will also smooth expenditure disbursements so that large payments do not disrupt the forex market. Treasury Bills will be pre-planned to cover the whole year with approval by the Monetary Policy Committee.
It is now accepted by many in the markets that some of the surges in black market rates are driven by those who have received a large payment and want to lock it into foreign exchange.
The RBZ will mop up excess liquidity held by corporates and other large holders of Zimbabwe dollars in the banking system by introducing short-term corporate bills.
Minister Ncube said to ensure success of the policy measures, Government was implementing certain regulatory changes that will be effected as a matter of urgency.
“Our laws and enforcement regime are not as effective as they should be when it comes to crimes relating to foreign exchange and financial fraud. The current legal and institutional framework relating to curbing of trading on the parallel market is quite inadequate.
“Government will be reviewing all the laws and institutional framework in order to bring them in line with international best practices and more importantly monitor the effectiveness of institutions charged with implementing the laws,” he said.
By Farai D Hove| The government has for a while published claims that Emmerson Mnangagwa did not conduct a bloody military coup against his former boss.
But over 600 soldiers were killed during the coup that removed former President Robert Mugabe, the late ZANU PF leader’s party spokesman, Jealousy Mawarire has alleged.
Mawarire made the allegations while arguing on the Twitter website. He said President Mugabe attended his last graduation ceremony “… as a hostage, he hadn’t even changed clothes for 3 days; he had new army security. “
He then said the killings were the hallmarks of a real military coup.
“His top aide, Albert Ngulube had been bludgeoned, another, Peter Munetsi, had been killed & 600 more, mainly soldiers, had been killed, wonzwa munhu achiti hapana coup – then you hear someone saying it was not a coup.”
Mawarire had not at the time of publishing revealed the names of the soldiers he alleges were killed in November 2017.
Fox News|Federal immigration authorities in Boston last week arrested a Zimbabwean national who had allegedly overstayed his visa by 20 years and is charged with felony rape, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday.
Alois Mutare, 42, was arrested by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) as part of a wider crackdown on illegal aliens, illegal reentrants and other immigration violators in the New England area.
Mutare, a Zimbabwean citizen, legally entered the U.S. in 1999, but violated the terms of his admission and overstayed his visa by near 20 years, according to a press release from ICE.
Boston police arrested Mutare in December 2019 on felony rape charges. Mutare was indicted on those charges earlier this month, ICE said.
ICE agents arrested Mutare after he was released from a local criminal court on March 4.
He remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings before a federal immigration judge, ICE said.
ICE officers have arrested more than 200 immigration offenders in recent weeks. More than half of those individuals had convictions or pending criminal charges for rape, drug trafficking, sexual assault and assault during the enforcement efforts, ICE said.
Todd M. Lyons, acting field office director for ERO Boston, said the multitude of arrests demonstrates the “threat that sanctuary policies pose to our communities.”
“Our officers will continue to arrest public safety threats that are released back to the communities, even as we remain committed to working with our local law enforcement partners to keep communities in the region safe,” Lyons said.
“While today’s announcement adds two new names to the SDN list – Owen Ncube and Anselem Sanyatwe – for human rights abuses, there remain several others who need to be held accountable for their actions and we urge the administration to update the list as needed.”
By A Correspondent| US Senators are submitting more ZANU PF names to the US sanctions list. This was revealed in their latest communication to the state department.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Chris Coons (D-Del.), member of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, today applauded the decision by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to update the list of sanctioned individuals for Zimbabwe following their January letter to Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo requesting an update.
“We are pleased to see the Departments of Treasury and State act on our request to update the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list (SDN list) for Zimbabwe,” said the senators. “The removal of persons no longer deemed appropriate and the addition of those responsible for recent human rights abuses is just one of the tools we will continue to encourage the U.S. government to use to hold leaders accountable for corruption and the erosion of democratic rights.
“As Zimbabwe’s leaders continue to blame their deepening political and economic crises on the political opposition, peaceful protesters, and foreign governments, they are failing to take responsibility for the suffering of the Zimbabwean people, for which they alone are responsible. We applaud the United States’ decision last week to extend the Zimbabwe sanctions program for another year,” they continued.
“While today’s announcement adds two new names to the SDN list – Owen Ncube and Anselem Sanyatwe – for human rights abuses, there remain several others who need to be held accountable for their actions and we urge the administration to update the list as needed.”
Background: In 2003, the United States began to impose sanctions on select individuals in the ZANU-PF regime and entities known to facilitate human rights abuses, undermine the rule of law, and engage in the looting of state resources for personal or political gain. While the targeted sanctions have been in place, the U.S. has continued to invest in humanitarian and development aid for Zimbabwe, spending more than $2 billion over the last ten years. The government of Zimbabwe has used misinformation to blame U.S. sanctions for the country’s political, economic and humanitarian situation.
In its first changes to the SDN list for Zimbabwe in the post-Mugabe era, the U.S. Treasury Department on March 11, 2020, removed four individuals, and added Anselem Sanyatwe and Owen Ncube.
Correspondent|Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaking to BT Sport: “For the score to go 2-1 was not cool, it was a blow but it’s not a big problem. The second goal was a bigger problem.
“After the second goal the legs were a bit tired. Everything that looked really natural in the first 90 minutes became a bit stiff. The crosses did not have the same quality We wanted the first time crosses like for the first goal, which was brilliant and the boys forget to do that.
“I am completely happy with the performance. It’s so difficult to play a side like this.
“I don’t understand with the quality they have the football they play. They could play proper football but they stand deep and have counter attacks.
“We accept it of course but it doesn’t feel right tonight. I realise I am a really bad loser, especially when the boys put such an effort in against world class players on the other side who defend with two rows of four.
“We know in the last two years we had some lucky moments in the Champions League, you have to, to reach two finals, but today it was everything was against us in the decisive moments.”
The Guardian|A Zimbabwean student has become the first person in the UK to be convicted for using a 3D printer to manufacture a gun.
Tendai Muswere, 26, pleaded guilty at Southwark crown court on Wednesday to the charge of manufacturing a 3D printed gun.
Police had initially gained access to Muswere’s home in Pimlico, central London, in October 2017 using a drug warrant, but found components of a 3D printed gun capable of firing a lethal shot during the search.
Muswere, a student who does not hold a firearms licence, told officers he had printed the firearm for a “dystopian film” as part of a university project – but later refused to comment on what the film project was about.
Muswere claimed he was unaware the weapon he had printed was capable of firing. A subsequent police search of Muswere’s browsing history revealed he had watched videos demonstrating how to manufacture a firearm capable of firing live ammunition using a 3D printer.
During a second search of his property, in February 2018, police found further components of a 3D printed gun.
The Metropolitan police said there was not widespread concern about the printing of guns in London. While plans for guns can be created or downloaded online, not all parts can be printed off – in other words, a gun cannot be manufactured by simply downloading plans online and using a 3D printer.
Problems arise around tracing 3D-printed guns and although possession of such weapons is illegal in the US and the UK, enforcing the law is difficult because it is not necessarily known who is making them. The ease with which they can be produced and used is also of concern to authorities.
Acting DS Jonathan Roberts, who led the investigation, said: “Muswere claimed that he was printing the firearms for a ‘dystopian’ university film project but he has not explained why he included the component parts necessary to make a lethal barrelled weapon. We know that Muswere was planning to line the printed firearms with steel tubes in order to make a barrel capable of firing.
“This conviction, which I believe is the first of its kind relating to the use of a 3D printer to produce a firearm, has prevented a viable gun from getting into the hand of criminals and is an excellent example of great partnership working between detectives, neighbourhood police and our forensic colleagues.”
During the search of Muswere’s home, cannabis plants and evidence of cannabis cultivation were found.
Juventus defender, Danielle Rugani has tested positive for Coronavirus even though he’s not showing signs yet(asymptomatic).
The deadly virus has been affecting the Italian Serie A lately with lots of matches being played behind closed doors and a lot of others suspended.
Rugani becomes the first high profile player to test positive for the virus and its a very dark moment for the team and the whole footballing world as a whole.
The confirmatory diagnosis is coming 2 days after Juventus’ 2-0 win over Inter Milan which was on Sunday meaning even Inter Milan players are currently at risk following exposure.
According to reports, the entire Inter Milan and Juventus squads are currently in quarantine and would be tested in due time.
Reports also say that UEFA will officially announce the postponement of the second leg of Juventus Round of 16 tie which is supposed to hold next week at Italy. The announcement is due to be made tomorrow as a precautionary action.
Football fans however are clamouring for the suspension of all footballing activities for the mean time pending the time the virus would be properly contained as health is more important than football and the lives of the players should matter more.
WASHINGTON |Taking dramatic action Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he is sharply restricting passenger travel from 26 European nations to the U.S. and moving to ease the economic cost of a viral pandemic that is roiling global financial markets and disrupting the daily lives of Americans.
Trump made the announcement during a rare Oval Office address to the nation that he is suspending all travel from Europe to the U.S. for 30 days beginning at 11:59 p.m. Friday. After days of playing down the threat, he blamed Europe for not acting quickly enough to address the novel coronavirus and claimed that U.S. clusters were “seeded” by European travelers.
“We made a lifesaving move with early action on China,” Trump said. “Now we must take the same action with Europe.”
Trump said the restrictions won’t apply to the United Kingdom, and there would be exemptions for “Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings.” It also wouldn’t apply to cargo. He said the U.S. would monitor the situation to determine if travel could be reopened earlier.
Homeland Security officials later clarified that the new travel restrictions would only apply to most foreign nationals who have been in the “Schengen Area” at any point for 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. The area includes Italy, German, Greece, Austria, Belgium and others. It doesn’t apply to legal permanent residents, immediate family of U.S. citizens or others “identified in the proclamation.”
The Oval Office address was an abrupt shift in tone from a president who has repeatedly sought to downplay the virus. Many Americans shared a similar mindset in recent weeks, but the grueling events of Wednesday changed the mood: Communities canceled public events nationwide, universities moved to cancel in-person classes, and families grappled with the impact of disruptions to public schools. The number of confirmed cases of the infection topped 1,000 in the U.S. and the World Health Organization declared the global crisis is now a pandemic.
Even as Trump spoke from behind the Resolute Desk, the pandemic’s ferocious rewriting of American daily life continued. The National Basketball Association suspended its season, and Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks announced that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for COVID-19.
After he spoke, the White House cancelled a planned trip by the president to Nevada and Colorado this week, “out of an abundance of caution.”
After a week of mixed messages and false starts, and as government officials warned in increasingly urgent terms that the outbreak in the U.S. will only get worse, Washington suddenly seemed poised to act.
Congress, for its part, unveiled a multibillion-dollar aid package Wednesday that was expected to be voted on by the House as soon as Thursday.
“I can say we will see more cases, and things will get worse than they are right now,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said in testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. He said the virus is “10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu.”
After Trump’s address, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced a series of moves, including restrictions for 60 days on travel by servicemembers, Defense Department civilians and their families to, from and through the four counties currently designated by the Centers for Disease Control as the highest risk COVID-19 counties — China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Esper said the restrictions include all forms of travel, including for what the military calls permanent change of station, in which a servicemember and his family move to a different home base or station.
Trump spoke after days of confusion in Washington amid mounting calls on the president to demonstrate greater leadership. In the hours leading up to his remarks, White House aides struggled to determine what action the president could take unilaterally and what required congressional action, as Trump personally weighed the public and political reactions to the options before him.
In his remarks, Trump focused more on the threat of travel continuing to bring in illness when, in fact, in parts of the country there is “community spread” — meaning people who don’t have a known travel exposure are becoming infected. He left unaddressed testing, the backlog that is hampering efforts to learn just how many Americans already are infected. And while he warned the elderly to avoid risky crowds, advised nursing homes to suspend visitors and told sick people to stay home from work, he didn’t address one of the biggest concerns — whether hospitals are equipped to handle the sick or will be overwhelmed.
Georgetown University public health expert Lawrence Gostin tweeted in reaction to Trump’s speech, “Most of Europe is as safe as US,” and COVID-19 “is already here; germs don’t respect borders.”
Trump said he was also directing agencies to provide unspecified financial relief for “for workers who are ill, quarantined or caring for others due to coronavirus,” and asked Congress to take action to extend it.
Trump said the U.S. will will defer tax payments for some individual and business filers for three months to lessen the impacts of the virus outbreak. He said the Small Business Administration will also make low-interest loans available to businesses to help them weather the storm.
“This is not a financial crisis,” he said. “This just a temporary moment of time that we will overcome together as a nation and as a world.”
Trump also reiterated his call on Congress to pass a cut to the federal payroll tax in order to stimulate the economy, though that proposal was dismissed by many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. He remained silent on his previous calls to provide assistance to industries hard-hit by the pandemic like airlines and cruise ships.
On Capitol Hill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled an economic assistance plan that was gaining bipartisan backing. Central to the package is free coronavirus testing nationwide and emergency funding to reimburse lost paychecks for those self-quarantining, missing work or losing jobs amid the outbreak.
The draft legislation would create a new federal emergency sick leave benefit for people with the virus or caring for a coronavirus victim. It would provide two-thirds of an employee’s monthly income for up to three months.
Facing a likely surge in unemployment claims, the package would also give states money for the newly jobless. It would provide additional funding for food and nutrition benefits for pregnant women, mothers and young children. It also would up money for “meals on wheels” and food for low-income elderly people.
“Right now we’re trying to deal with the direct impact of the virus on individual citizens,” said House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth, D-Ky.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, whom Trump tapped to negotiate with Pelosi, urged Congress “to pass legislation quickly.”
“This is a little bit like a hurricane, and we need to cover these outside of normal expenses,” Mnuchin said.
The administration had floated several other strategies, including the rare idea of declaring a national disaster that could potentially unlock funding streams, according to a person unauthorized to discuss the planning and granted anonymity. But Trump ultimately opted against taking that step Wednesday.
Trump also provided new guidance to vulnerable Americans, warning, “The elderly population must be very, very careful.” He said the government is “strongly advising” that nursing homes for the elderly “suspend all medically unnecessary visits” and advised older Americans “to avoid non-essential travel in crowded areas.” Trump, who is 73 years old, is considered at higher risk because of his age.
Trump has repeatedly flouted the advice of public health experts, who have advised the public to stop hand-shaking and practice social distancing. But that didn’t stop him from calling on fellow citizens to help combat the virus’ spread. “For all Americans, it is essential that everyone take extra precautions and practice good hygiene. Each of us has a role to play in defeating this virus,” he said.
As pressure mounted for Washington to respond, the GOP leader in the House, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, signaled potential Republican support for the funding package in Congress.
“We need to do something,” McCarthy said. “I think they could become very bipartisan.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Congress’ attending physician told staff there could be 70 million to 100 million coronavirus cases in the U.S. That’s on par with other estimates. A Harvard official has estimated that 20% to 60% of adults will get the virus, noting it’s “a pretty wide range.”
Pelosi’s goal is to pass an aid package before lawmakers leave town for a previously scheduled weeklong recess, and revisit potential stimulus measures later.
In Washington, tourists still arrived at the U.S. Capitol, but an official unauthorized to discuss the situation and speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed that tours would soon be shut down.
– ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW –
By A Correspondent| As government goes ahead to push through constitutional amendments to turn Emmerson Mnangagwa into a monster leader with powers far greater than President Robert Mugabe’s, just what type of a country is this lovely nation about to turn into? Hard Video V11s show the ZANU PF leader saying he believes that all election winners are mere corpses, literally.
In a chilling warning during the same function where he said if he were God, he would deprive all MDC supporters of oxygen, Mnangagwa told a Masvingo gathering in May 2015, democracy is only found among corpses.
He spoke in the Shona vernacular saying, “to all of us here I always ask where are the majority, among the living or among the corpses?
“They are among the dead.
“Democracy says we must go to the majority. That’s why there is death on earth.
“It’s democracy, those who win elections are the majority.”
Mthuli Ncube BANKS and Bureaux De Change operators can now freely trade foreign exchange subject to market forces after Government liberalised the forex trading market as part of measures to arrest exchange rate volatility and inflation.
To buttress the decision, Treasury has with immediate effect introduced an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system, which allows registered financial institutions to freely trade foreign exchange.
A broadly constituted Currency Stabilisation Taskforce has since been set up part of measures to arrest persistent exchange rate distortions and help create a true market exchange rate.
The interventions are meant to enhance transparency and effective foreign exchange trading on the formal channels, which have trailed behind the parallel market. This comes at a time when the country is experiencing price escalation largely driven by speculative parallel market activity. In the past few days the exchange rate volatility has seen US$1 hovering around ZW$40 for electronic transfer and ZW$25 for cash compared to US$1: ZWL$18 on the interbank market.
The rand has also jumped to ZW$2,50 for mobile money from about 1:1 at the beginning of the year.
In a press statement, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, lamented the absence of a transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform as he acknowledged that official rates have not been effectively determined amid a seemingly thriving parallel market. He said the trend has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.
“To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined,” said Prof Ncube.
“The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their authorised dealers. The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions. This mechanism will be immediately operational.”
However, the minister said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) would continue to be a significant player in the market by providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary.
Prof Ncube said that Government was taking measures to stabilise the runaway exchange rate and bringing down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.
“To stabilise the exchange rate and hence, lower inflation, Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a Currency Stabilisation Taskforce has been set up,” he said.
The taskforce will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the RBZ and will include members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC). Prof Ncube would chair the taskforce, scheduled to meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that outlined measures are expeditiously implemented.
The taskforce has the mandate to put in place additional policy measures, where necessary so as to enhance macro-economic stability, which is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) – a critical blue-print for economic growth and achievement of the goals Vision 2030.
As such, Prof Ncube said several specific steps and measures will be taken by Government and key stakeholders to ensure the success of the new system. For instance, the interbank market for commercial banks will be operationalised based on the Reuters system whose trading rules have already been agreed to. Prof Ncube said the Reuters system will generate a daily exchange rate and that banks will charge thin margins on Bureaux de Changes on transactions that are routed through them as authorised dealers. Similarly, Bureaux de Changes will be immediately liberalised as per RBZ rules, which are ready for implementation.
“There will be no limit on bureaux ability to finance importers…They can trade foreign exchange at +/- 5% of daily,” said Prof Ncube.
“Bureaux shall have a minimum float of USD20,000 and have access to physical cash available from RBZ subject to daily limits. Cash purchases can be paid for in ZWL at 1:1 or USD at daily exchange rate. All bureaux requirements shall be demand driven.”
The minister said the RBZ would monitor daily exchange rate and intervene where necessary so as to maintain a fully operationalises Reuters trading desk. Furthermore, the use of free funds for importation of goods and services will remain liberalised as is the case with direct fuel imports.
President Mnangagwa swears in retired Justice Simbi Mubako (right) to chair the tribunal set up to inquire into Justice Francis Bere’s conduct. Looking on is Vice President Constantino Chiwenga (second left), Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi (left) and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda (fourth left) at State House in Harare yesterday. President Mnangagwa yesterday swore in a three-member tribunal to inquire into the suitability of suspended Supreme Court judge, Justice Francis Bere, to continue holding office.
This follows allegations that he interfered with a pending civil court case involving the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) and his relatives.
Justice Bere was suspended last week.
This prompted President Mnangagwa to set up a tribunal chaired by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako and comprises Advocate Takawira Nzombe and Mrs Rekayi Maphosa.
President Mnangagwa said he appointed the tribunal after receiving a letter from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) dated January 15, 2020.
He said the letter advised him that the question of the removal from office of Justice Bere ought to be investigated.
“Now, therefore, I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, by virtue of powers vested in me, call upon Retired Justice Simbi Veke Mubako (Judge of Appeal) to take the oath of office,” said President Mnangagwa.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Justice Mubako said the tribunal would start work next week, but could not disclose how long it will take to complete the mandate.
“We are just going to start setting up our programme and we do not know how long it is going to take. It will depend on the evidence that is going to come and the complexities of the case. We do not know it yet,” said Justice Mubako.
He said a lot was expected of a judge, adding that they are supposed to be fit and proper.
Judges are required to uphold the dignity of the court and of justice in general and must have virtue.
Justice Mubako said President Mnangagwa wished the tribunal all the best of luck, and advised the members that he was confident they would deliver.
“We are starting work today (yesterday) laying the foundation, but proper work may start any time this week or next week,” he said.
It is alleged that Justice Bere telephoned Zinara lawyer Mr Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara and Fremus Enterprises (owned by the judge’s relatives).
The complaint was first raised before Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza during a court hearing before Mr Ndudzo was asked to complain in writing.
The 26-year old Thai national who escaped from Wilkins Infectious Disease Hospital on Sunday afternoon pending tests for the new coronavirus causing Covid-19, but voluntarily returned to the hospital on Tuesday morning has tested negative.
The man, who arrived from his home country on February 14, was taken to Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital on Sunday after he had visited a private clinic in Harare where he reported a two-day history of coughing, mainly at night, fever and sneezing but left before samples could be taken.
Health authorities thought there was a very low possibility of Covid-19, as the man had arrived in the middle of last month and had not developed any symptoms within the incubation period.
City health director Dr Prosper Chonzi confirmed that the results of the tests carried on the Thai national came out negative and he had since been discharged.
He made these remarks during a tour at the isolation facility by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care yesterday.
“I can confirm that the Thai national who ran away from Wilkins Hospital on Sunday, resurfaced on Tuesday at the facility, had tests done and he tested negative.
“The man came in with his father and mother on Sunday, so they parked in the parking lot while he went to the reception.
“While he was there explaining his condition to the nurse in charge, he was told to wait while the nurse went in to wear protective clothing, but took this opportunity to escape,” Dr Chonzi said.
“He went to the parking lot where his parents were and they drove off.”
He said the incident was a clear indication that there was need to tighten the security at the hospital to prevent more cases of that nature from occurring.
“This incident opened our eyes as health officials.
“We realised that we need to strengthen our security at the isolation facility to ensure that there won’t be a repetition of the same incident in the future.
“We are currently working hard on tightening our security.”
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care chairperson, Dr Ruth Labode expressed concern on the incident saying Harare should consider legal action against those who escape from quarantine facilities meant to protect the whole country from Covid-19. “People should know that we are serious about this disease,” said Dr Labode.
The Thai man becomes the fifth person checked out in Zimbabwe after health authorities activated their “make sure” policy designed to stop any potentially- infected person from passing on the virus. But all have been found to be negative meaning Zimbabwe has no confirmed cases yet.
As of yesterday, more than 4 000 people had died from the coronavirus across the world and over 113 000 cases had been confirmed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) with about 64 000 people now listed as having recovered from Covid-19 around the world as national health authorities and WHO intensify efforts to wipe out the infection, with Italy, now the second worst hit country after China taking the extreme step of a national lock-down to cut the chains of infection there.
State Media|Women should grab opportunities in previously male-dominated fields including driving public service vehicles, and stamp their authority as equally gifted, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.
She decried the low representation of women in business, politics and a host of other areas and said it was time women came out of their shells and prove that they were able-bodied.
Women, she said, must apply themselves fully in all the things they do to achieve results.
Yesterday, Amai Mnangagwa obtained a Class One driver’s licence after undergoing a training course which she said was a big challenge to women adding that she decided to acquire it during the month of March which celebrates achievements by women globally.
This was after she had also taken her defensive driving course from the first session to the eighth, diligently and made sure she mastered the concepts through asking questions and reading.
The First Lady effortlessly reversed the 65-seater bus, engaged her gears and took off and braked with ease just like any other competent driver.
She drove from the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) yard into the Harare central business district (CBD) with ease under the instruction of her examiners who acknowledged her competency and awarded her the licence.
Yesterday’s test came barely a week after Amai Mnangagwa launched the country’s first ever driver safety training programme in conjunction with Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) targeting women and youths as part of broad-based measures to reduce carnage on the country’s roads.
The First Lady who is the patron of the National Transport and Drivers Association (NTDA) said she was leading other women by example.
“I usually want to talk about things that I do and lead from the front. I want people especially women to see that these things can be done and it will not be difficult for me to encourage them. Women are able to compete for jobs that are done by men despite their biological make up.
“We are worried by the spate of road accidents countrywide and I am convinced women can play a big role in reducing these,” she said.
The First Lady said her door was open to all women and youths wishing to acquire defensive driving certificates and driver’s licences to improve the quality of driving on the roads and curb accidents.
She said she was willing to share her story with them and show them the way.
This comes amid reports that the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) had recorded 22 accidents, three of which were fatal and claimed 13 lives.
After a retest of all the 113 Zupco drivers, only 64 passed the first time and the rest were being subjected to theory and practical tests. Those that fail to make the grade will have their contracts terminated.
Mr Tatenda Chinoda and Mrs Tsungai Mukwaiwa from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe took the First Lady through a vigorous defensive driving course.
TSCZ acting managing director Mr Clifford Gobo who was also present throughout the whole process said it was encouraging to have senior members of society and people who are in leadership positions taking the initiative to promote road safety.
“We have always said defensive driving is important. Secondly, we have been restricting it to public transport drivers, but now here is a private driver who is also taking the initiative, so it will be a challenge to other members of the leadership.
“We are going to take her as an ambassador and then she will also challenge other people in leadership to come forward and participate in this activity,” he said.
A manager at Easy-Go Driving School through which the First Lady acquired her Class One licence, Mr Edmond Usayiwevhu said they were excited to have taken the First Lady through the theory and practical training.
“Today, we have experienced our First Lady going through defensive driving certificate training which has given us an insight into how you protect other road users, how you protect yourself as a driver, how you take care of your vehicle and ensure that there is maximum road safety on our roads. She also did very well on the road during the class one road test,” said Mr Usayiwevhu.
He said the First Lady did her driving lessons with Easy-Go Driving School.
Mr Chinoda said as TSCZ they were privileged and honoured to have had Amai as their student for the defensive driving course.
The instructor said they had not minimised any standards for the particular course and the First Lady had taken it all through from session one to session eight.
“She passed the exam that goes with that particular course and was certified as a defensive driver. After all, when it has started with the First Family, other families at provinces, the ministers, the members of parliament must take this example and do the course. We need to preserve the lives of our people by taking the initiative as people who use the road,” he said.
VID depot manager, Mr Onesimo Bumhira who was the driving examiner said the First Lady deservedly got the Class One licence saying she observed all road rules and competently drove her way throughout the city.
The US President Donald Trump has suspended all travel to Europe due to concerns over the spreading of coronavirus.
“Together we are putting into policy a plan to prevent, detect, treat and create a vaccine against coronavirus to save lives in America and the world. America will get it done!” wrote Trump.
FULL TEXT:
RESTRICTING TRAVEL FROM IMPACTED AREAS: President Donald J. Trump is taking further action to curb the spread of the coronavirus to the United States from other countries.
LOOKING OUT FOR AMERICAN BUSINESSES AND WORKERS: President Donald J. Trump is committed to protecting American businesses and workers from the impacts of coronavirus.
LEADING AN AGGRESSIVE, WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH: President Trump has taken unprecedented steps to protect the health of Americans in response to the coronavirus.
Obadiah MoyoState Media|THE Government has flexed its muscle by declaring that it’s too dangerous for the Warriors to travel to Algeria for a 2021 AFCON qualifier this month as countries across the world battle to protect their citizens, and territories, from the deadly effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Yesterday, the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic.
There has been a nationwide debate about whether the Warriors should be allowed to travel to Algeria for their Nations Cup qualifier, given the way the North African country has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak, with many arguing it could put the team, and the nation, at risk.
The Confederation of African Football have been insisting that the match should be played in Blida, ironically the worst hit area in Algeria, on March 23.
But, the Government has now given its position on the matter, with Health and Child Welfare Minister, Obadiah Moyo, saying the Warriors should not go and play in Algeria this month, given the huge risks associated with such an adventure.
Governments in Madagascar, Rwanda, Tunisia — which shares a border with Algeria — and Kenya have taken a similar stance by suspending all international sporting events.
Egypt, who have reported 55 cases, have also announced that their football league matches will now be played behind closed doors.
On yet another dramatic day across a globe battling to contain the spread of coronavirus, sport felt the full fury of the raging pandemic with:
Spanish La Liga side Getafe announcing they will not travel to Milan for their UEFA Europa League football Last 16 first-leg clash with Inter Milan with club president, Angel Torres, saying he could not risk his players to the coronavirus crisis in Italy.
Torres revealing they had ‘‘UEFA to look for an alternative to play, we do not want to get into the middle of the coronavirus, we have no need, if we have to lose the tie, we will lose it. I will not be the one to assume any risk. It makes us very emotional, but if it has to be this way, it will be.’’
Roma announcing they will not travel to Spain for their Europa League match today while Manchester United’s battle against LASK in Austria, in the same competition, will be played behind closed doors tonight.
Moyo said the risk of sending the Warriors into Algeria this month far outweighed the possible benefits of such a dangerous adventure.
“We understand that our (national football) team will be playing in Algiers. That is where we have a problem,’’ Moyo said in Senate on Tuesday while responding to questions after delivering a ministerial statement about the disease.
‘‘They will go there and meet other people. We understand that in Algeria there are people who are sick and they will meet those people.
‘‘We have to quickly see what we can do on that issue. They must not go, is it not? I want to thank you because I have heard you agreeing with me. I will take that word up.’’
He said SADC countries had since taken a stance that public gatherings should be minimised.
“In other countries, only the playing teams go to the stadia, only 22 players will be in the stadium and they play without spectators. It is no longer the issue of us being many,” Moyo said.
The minister said they received support from Britain, to boost their preparedness for the disease.
‘‘We have received further protective kits from the British. They gave us £100 000 worth of protective kits — masks, goggles and all that.
‘‘At the same time, they are spending £1,7 million for the creation of a National Response Centre which is situated at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
‘‘Once it is completed, it should be in a week or two, we will have an opening ceremony and we will invite all the members of Senate who can attend that function,” said Moyo.
He said Zimbabwe had not yet got to a stage where people were required to put on masks like what was happening in other countries.
“We have not yet reached that stage of wearing masks. However, we have seen that those coming from outside the country are wearing masks, which is a very good thing. We are also working on having lots of masks.
‘‘As I stand before you, before I came here, I enquired on the progress of acquiring our masks, whether the first consignment has arrived.
‘‘We want to have lots of masks but, at the moment, we are not yet worried to that extent though we should be prepared and ready,” said Moyo.
He discouraged people from eating unusual types of foods.
There was also concern yesterday about the reverse match between the Warriors and the Desert Foxes set for Johannesburg at the end of this month after the South African disease control yesterday confirmed the country had recorded six new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 13.
In the event that CAF do not scrape the matches, amid reports of a number of countries saying they are not in a position to fulfil the games, that AFCON qualifier in Johannesburg would likely be held behind closed doors.
Yesterday, CAF said, for now, the AFCON qualifiers would go ahead as scheduled this month.
‘‘CAF wishes to inform Member Associations and the entire African football family that we are closely monitoring the evolution of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world and in particular the African continent,’’ the organisation said in a statement.
‘‘According to World Health Organisation, no African country till date has been declared a high risk.
‘‘Consequently, CAF has decided to maintain the schedule of all competitions. Also, CAF has been informed of the restrictive measures taken by the authorities of some Member Associations and is in contact to find solutions on a case-by-case basis, with the option of the organisation of matches behind closed doors.
‘‘Regarding the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) Cameroon 2020, a delegation from the CAF Medical Committee is scheduled to visit Cameroon from 14-15 March 2020.
‘‘The purpose of this mission is to assess all the preventive measures taken by the Local Organising Committee. The competition is scheduled for 4-25 April 2020.’’
However, FIFPRO, the organisation which represents professional footballers in the world, said the health of the players should be given a priority.
‘‘Professional footballers, like other workers, are concerned about themselves and their families and friends being exposed to the coronavirus during their daily lives,’’ FIFPRO said in a statement.
‘‘For players their exposure could come during travel, training and match days. Any actions relating to these activities must be coordinated in close co-operation with players and their unions.
‘‘We ask that employers and competition organisers respect the wishes of players to take short-term precautionary measures including suspending training or competitions.
‘‘We support the players and their associations who have requested a suspension or postponement of football activities in their countries or regions.
‘‘As the situation changes, it is important to strengthen coordination amongst international football stakeholders, governments and public health experts in order to take the best possible course of action for our people and our industry.’’
The 63-year-old Academy Award-winning US actor, Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
They were filming in Australia at the time.
He wrote on Instagram on Thursday that after he and Wilson had been feeling “a bit tired, like we had colds” they arranged to be tested for the virus and had been “found to be positive”.
“We felt a bit tired, like we had colds and some body aches,” he wrote on his official Instagram page.
“Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive,” he said.
He continued saying:
“Well, now. What to do next? The medical officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks’ will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no
He is currently on the Gold Coast filming Baz Luhrmann’s untitled production about Elvis Presley.
ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), in conjunction with the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) of Switzerland, is conducting a four-day training workshop in Harare for stakeholders in the anti-graft fight and money laundering.
About 30 officers drawn from ZACC, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Attorney-General’s Office (AG) are taking part.
The ICAR officials — Mr Tom Walugombe, Mrs Simon Marsh and Ms Phyllis Atkinson — are at the request of ZACC are helping in technical capacity building.
ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said the participants will share knowledge, skills and expertise.
“I am also advised that the objective of the scoping mission is to gather information regarding the legal system of Zimbabwe, its criminal justice and legal institutional frameworks concerning the fight against corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes, the recovery of stolen assets and mutual legal assistance,” she said.
Justice Matanda-Moyo said the ICAR team will conduct meetings with stakeholders in the criminal justice system to understand the practices and challenges faced by professionals when investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating on crimes and recovery of stolen assets.
Zimbabwe faces a grim future if government does not immediately step up efforts to prevent a full scale corona virus outbreak in Zimbabwe.The fact that COVID-19 is spreading so fast around the globe, and that our neighbour South Africa has already reported 7 cases should send a cold chill down our spine, for many reasons. The question is when, not if, COVID-19 will come to Zimbabwe.
COVID-19 outbreak comes at a time when our health delivery system is weak and lacks resilience. Even the most basic day to dayhealth care delivery is virtually non-existent to the citizenry. Public confidence and trust in our healthcare system is at an all-time low.Routine surveillance and epidemic intelligence has suffered greatly due to the challenges bedevelling the system.
Zimbabweans are extremely worried by the possibility that we may already have had cases that went undetected and unreported. Poor
surveillance will yield very dangerous statistics. The bungling in the handling of the few cases reported in the media betrays high levels ofunpreparedness on the part of government. Citizens are worried by the track record of our government over the past forty years.
This government’s default position in the face of any threatening epidemic is denial and false reassurances to the populace, presumably tocover up for their perpetual unpreparedness. That’s how HIV took over Zimbabwe, and that’s why cholera killed over 4000 citizens in 2008-9.A good government should be transparent and keep its citizens correctly informed.
Citizens are gravely worried about mis-information regarding detail of suspected cases. And if a suspected case flees from hospital untested,
that is serious bungling and unpreparedness on the part of the whole system.
As a people’s party , we are here to help government manage this complex outbreak of international concern. This is not a partisan issue,but a matter for all Zimbabweans. When this pandemic is over, we all want to look back and proudly say we did all we could as a people, we prevented all cases that could be prevented, we detected early all cases that came into the country, and we successfully prevented allloss of life through astute and well-resourced clinical management. We also want to boast that there was no loss of life among our health care workers due to this exposure. Then we will have matured as a nation, regardless of all our other toxic politics.
Situational analysis:
Currently we are not prepared to handle a single case of COVID-19. This is evidenced by the panic and confusion that attends the arrivalof a potential case at any of our institutions, whether that be in Harare, Masvingo, or anywhere else in the country.
The health care workers are still asking questions about what to do if a suspected case should come to their institution. There are no national guidelines. Health workers don’t even know where and how to send pathology specimens for diagnostic workout, and where to
quarantine a case. The two isolation centres in the two major cities are not adequate to service the nation. It seems to us that the PersonalProtective Equipment for health workers has not yet been prepositioned in all districts.
We are behind time.
Training of trainers in COVID-19 screening, detection and management is only underway now and this is late! Our ports of entry are poorlystaffed and poorly equipped, and our self-quarantine procedures are useless, because there is no adequate monitoring and enforcement.
What should be done?
As the people’s party, we advocate for a health system that is resilient. Such a system is vigilant in disease surveillance, supported by a universal comprehensive primary care coverage. That health system should be able to quickly identify and isolate a disease outbreak and target resources to it. There should be minimisation of disruptions to provisions of essential health services during the outbreak.
We urge the government to work closely with the citizens, and keep correct and accurate information flowing. Government should work hardto have an informed public who will take prevention confidently into their own hands. There should be established call centres in every districtwhich people will use to inform the system that they suspect they are infected.
We should not wait for people to come to institutions. We should test them at home. Resources must be availed for that and our communitynursing and environmental health technician departments should be capacitated to carry out their duties.
For the life of this pandemic, government should have clear guidelines on travel curtailment, particularly to and from the affected areas. Bearin mind that the whole world is potentially affected now, but there are some hot spots. Government should continue to assess the situation and advise the nation on when to cut down on public gatherings.
The issue of the incapacitation of doctors and other health workers continues to linger in the shadows. Our health workers need to be well
resourced and motivated so that they show up for work that may be difficult and dangerous. This is already a national emergency. During the2008-9 cholera outbreak we had to incentivize the health workers to undertake the risky work they were expected to do. That was part of thesecret of our success. Now is the time to improve the morale of health workers, before disaster strikes!
What is the nation’s budget for COVID-19 response? Do we have enough resources, have we declared a national emergency, have we askedfor international help where we need it? There are doubts in the population about the efficacy of our laboratory testing capacity, because the
government just says we got kits from this donor and that donor. Zimbabweans are literate! Tell us the kits. We want to know their sensitivityand specificity. We also want to know how many of the tests you have done were confirmed negative by the World Health Organisation
collaborating laboratory in South Africa. We don’t want COVID-19 to end up with its epicenter in Zimbabwe, as did HIV, because of poor and
delayed responses.
We wish to assure the current government that the MDC and its President stand ready to assist in any manner possible to ensure that COVID-19 does not become a major problem in Zimbabwe. The COVID-19 response must be multi-sectoral AND non-partisan. Completetransparency and accountability to the nation are key.
Henry Madzorera
Secretary For Health and Child Welfare
Movement For Democratic Change
Global Fund executive director Mr Peter SandsState Media|Global Fund has extended a US$500 million grant to Zimbabwe for the next round of funding towards fighting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, with US$25 million expected to be channelled towards the country’s preparedness to fight coronavirus.
Briefing the media on arrival from Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday afternoon, Global Fund executive director Mr Peter Sands said they were finalising the grant and would complete all modalities in the next few days.
“The Global Fund has a long-standing effective partnership with Zimbabwe, which has seen the grant increasing from US$477 million currently to US$500 for the next three years. We are in the process where the specific programme submissions are being made around how the US$500 million is going to be invested,” he said.
Mr Sands said he was glad to be in the country during this important time.
“It is a very timely moment for me to be here because essentially the decisions are being made now about how to commit this significant amount of money.
“I am also conscious that Zimbabwe is one of the top 10 countries that Global Fund funds in the world and I think I am the first executive director of the Global Fund to ever visit Zimbabwe and the first to visit Bulawayo and I am delighted to do this,” he said.
Mr Sands said what they had seen in Zimbabwe was very significant progress in fighting TB, HIV and malaria.
“Zimbabwe is one for the very few countries on the continent that have succeeded in getting to 95 percent of HIV positive people on Antiretroviral treatment. That is a significant achievement.”
Zimbabwe’s success rate of TB treatment stands at 88 percent and it compares very favourably with some of the most advanced health care systems in the world.
“If you look at the story of malaria, we have seen an 84 percent reduction of malaria incidence and a 75 percent reduction in malaria deaths. These are achievements that partners, the Global Fund and the Government of Zimbabwe should be proud of. These are achievements that are making an enormous difference in the lives of Zimbabweans,” emphasised Mr Sands.
He, however, said the battle was not won yet.
“Malaria and TB are formidable adversaries if you are not winning against them, you are losing because they fight back. There are still too many new infections of HIV, there are still too many cases of drug resistant TB, people are still dying from it yet there are much smaller numbers of people dying from malaria.
“So, the focus in the next three-year cycle of our partnership will be very much on reducing the incidences of news cases of HIV and trying to effectively eliminate malaria — that is the ambition. We will also focus on the drug resistant strains of TB,” he said.
Mr Sands is set to visit Global Find Projects in Umguza and Nyamandlovu in Matabeleland North province on today (Thursday) to have an appreciation of the actual work that is being done.
“It is really important for us back in Geneva not to be just reading power point presentations and slides where people describe things but to have a feel of things on the ground.”
In October 2019 the Global Fund raised a fund that would enable them to finance the next round for the next three years of programming and raised a record sum of US$14 billion at the replenishment conference.
Mr Sands said Zimbabwe had also played two roles — an advocacy role to persuade donors to pledge funds and also pledged US$1 million itself.
Mr Sands said it was indicative of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the people and also to be a contributor to the Global Fund and not only a recipient.
Minister Cain Mathema State Media|Government will pay 53 percent of June and November examination fees for all candidates in public schools following an outcry over increases by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec).
Parents will have to pay 47 percent.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema yesterday said the Government had since released $150 million towards exam preparations.
Government’s intervention, the minister said, would benefit candidates at Government, local authorities and mission schools.
Those in private schools and colleges will pay the full amount.
“Government is releasing $150 million to Zimsec with immediate effect to get the preparations for the 2020 June and November examinations going and will avail the balance to Zimsec once the total candidature from the public schools for the June and November examinations is ascertained,” said Minister Mathema.
“I would now like to advise all parents and guardians of schoolchildren in Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced levels that in 2020, Government will be contributing 53 percent of the examination fees for candidates in public schools, while parents and guardians will take up 47 percent.”
Grade 7 candidates at public schools will pay $125, while the Government will pay $139 to take the total to $264 per subject. For candidates sitting O-Level examinations, Government will pay $100 per subject while the candidate pays $90. Candidates sitting for A-Level examinations will pay $165 per subject while Government comes in with $186 to take the total to $351 per subject.
Candidates from private schools and colleges will meet the full cost of the examination fees.
“Candidates at private schools and colleges, including candidates who are resitting examinations will pay the total examination fees and those currently at public schools who get Government support for a subject for the June examination will pay the full fees for the same subject
if they enter for it again for the November examination,” he said.
The new deadlines for the payment of examination fees are March 30, 2020 for the June examinations and April 9, 2020 for the November examinations.
Said Minister Mathema: “As we prepare our learners for life and work, I would like to exhort all those who have a contribution to the success of our children so that they are sufficiently equipped to make a telling contribution to the sustainable development of our country. Getting it right at primary and secondary level will give the nation the confidence we are building from a solid foundation.”
Zimbabwe faces a grim future if government does not immediately step up efforts to prevent a full scale corona virus outbreak in Zimbabwe. The fact that COVID-19 is spreading so fast around the globe, and that our neighbour South Africa has already reported 7 cases should send a cold chill down our spine, for many reasons. The question is when, not if, COVID-19 will come to Zimbabwe.
COVID-19 outbreak comes at a time when our health delivery system is weak and lacks resilience. Even the most basic day to day health care delivery is virtually non-existent to the citizenry. Public confidence and trust in our healthcare system is at an all-time low. Routine surveillance and epidemic intelligence has suffered greatly due to the challenges bedevelling the system.
Zimbabweans are extremely worried by the possibility that we may already have had cases that went undetected and unreported. Poor surveillance will yield very dangerous statistics.
The bungling in the handling of the few cases reported in the media betrays high levels of unpreparedness on the part of government. Citizens are worried by the track record of our government over the past forty years.
This government’s default position in the face of any threatening epidemic is denial and false reassurances to the populace, presumably to cover up for their perpetual unpreparedness.
That’s how HIV took over Zimbabwe, and that’s why cholera killed over 4000 citizens in 2008-9. A good government should be transparent and keep its citizens correctly informed.
Citizens are gravely worried about mis-information regarding detail of suspected cases. And if a suspected case flees from hospital untested, that is serious bungling and unpreparedness on the part of the whole system.
As a people’s party , we are here to help government manage this complex outbreak of international concern. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter for all Zimbabweans.
When this pandemic is over, we all want to look back and proudly say we did all we could as a people, we prevented all cases that could be prevented, we detected early all cases that came into the country, and we successfully prevented all loss of life through astute and well-resourced clinical management. We also want to boast that there was no loss of life among our health care workers due to this exposure. Then we will have matured as a nation, regardless of all our other toxic politics.
Situational analysis:
Currently we are not prepared to handle a single case of COVID-19. This is evidenced by the panic and confusion that attends the arrival of a potential case at any of our institutions, whether that be in Harare, Masvingo, or anywhere else in the country.
The health care workers are still asking questions about what to do if a suspected case should come to their institution.
There are no national guidelines. Health workers don’t even know where and how to send pathology specimens for diagnostic workout, and where to quarantine a case. The two isolation centres in the two major cities are not adequate to service the nation. It seems to us that the Personal Protective Equipment for health workers has not yet been prepositioned in all districts.
We are behind time.
Training of trainers in COVID-19 screening, detection and management is only underway now and this is late! Our ports of entry are poorly staffed and poorly equipped, and our self-quarantine procedures are useless, because there is no adequate monitoring and enforcement.
What should be done?
As the people’s party, we advocate for a health system that is resilient.
Such a system is vigilant in disease surveillance, supported by a universal comprehensive primary care coverage. That health system should be able to quickly identify and isolate a disease outbreak and target resources to it. There should be minimisation of disruptions to provisions of essential health services during the outbreak.
We urge the government to work closely with the citizens, and keep correct and accurate information flowing.
Government should work hard to have an informed public who will take prevention confidently into their own hands. There should be established call centres in every district which people will use to inform the system that they suspect they are infected.
We should not wait for people to come to institutions. We should test them at home.
Resources must be availed for that and our community nursing and environmental health technician departments should be capacitated to carry out their duties.
For the life of this pandemic, government should have clear guidelines on travel curtailment, particularly to and from the affected areas.
Bear in mind that the whole world is potentially affected now, but there are some hot spots. Government should continue to assess the situation and advise the nation on when to cut down on public gatherings.
The issue of the incapacitation of doctors and other health workers continues to linger in the shadows. Our health workers need to be well resourced and motivated so that they show up for work that may be difficult and dangerous. This is already a national emergency.
During the 2008-9 cholera outbreak we had to incentivize the health workers to undertake the risky work they were expected to do. That was part of the secret of our success. Now is the time to improve the morale of health workers, before disaster strikes!
What is the nation’s budget for COVID-19 response? Do we have enough resources, have we declared a national emergency, have we asked for international help where we need it?
There are doubts in the population about the efficacy of our laboratory testing capacity, because the government just says we got kits from this donor and that donor.
Zimbabweans are literate! Tell us the kits. We want to know their sensitivity and specificity. We also want to know how many of the tests you have done were confirmed negative by the World Health Organisation collaborating laboratory in South Africa. We don’t want COVID-19 to end up with its epicenter in Zimbabwe, as did HIV, because of poor and delayed responses.
We wish to assure the current government that the MDC and its President stand ready to assist in any manner possible to ensure that COVID-19 does not become a major problem in Zimbabwe. The COVID-19 response must be multi-sectoral AND non-partisan. Complete transparency and accountability to the nation are key.
Henry Madzorera
Secretary For Health and Child Welfare
Movement For Democratic Change
A Harare man yesterday appeared in court for allegedly trying to kill his wife with rat poison after she refused to give him her cellphone password.
The court heard that George Lovell (age not supplied), who suspected that his wife was cheating on him, went on to point a gun at her, stealing her cellphone and assaulting her.
Lovell was facing attempted murder charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.
He made complaints against police whom he accused of over-detaining him.
Mrs Mugwagwa remanded Lovewell in custody and advised him to approach the High Court for bail.
The court heard that on March 6, Lovell followed his wife who was at a funeral and started shouting at her accusing her of having boyfriends yet she was married.
It is the State’s case that Lovell took a cellphone and US$200 which was in his wife’s bag and went back home.
The court heard that the complainant returned home the following day and Lovell assaulted the complainant with a belt and clenched fists all over her body demanding the phone’s password.
Lovell allegedly went on to cover the complainant’s head with a plastic bag while pointing a gun at her and continued to assault her leading the complainant to become unconscious.
After assaulting the complainant, Lovell took rat poison and forcibly opened the complainant’s mouth while was demanding her password.
The complainant then pleaded with Lovell not to end her life as she was willing to give him the password.-State media
Beware the Atlético Madrid sucker punch.
Liverpool knew it was a possibility, however much they controlled this Champions League tie, however much they dominated in terms of possession and chances. While the margins remained slim, it could happen.
It almost came at the end of normal time when Trent Alexander-Arnold conceded a needless free-kick and the unmarked Saúl Ñíguez headed Renan Lodi’s delivery past Adrián. The Atlético celebrations ignited like a firecracker only to fade upon the sight of an offside flag against Saúl.
Liverpool ought to have won this game several times over. They attacked in waves, battering Atlético, testing their resilience to the limit.
The most influential player on the pitch was the visiting goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, who made a string of excellent saves. Diego Simeone, the Atlético manager, said afterwards that “Barcelona have Messi but we have Oblak”.
Liverpool also blew fistfuls of chances, none more gilt-edged than the 67th minute header that Andy Robertson crashed against the crossbar when gloriously placed.
Klopp’s team had led on the night through Gini Wijnaldum’s header on 43 minutes and, early in the extra period, they finally got the goal that put them in front on aggregate.
Wijnaldum was the creator, powering up the right flank to cross for Roberto Firmino, whose header hit the inside of the post. When the ball rebounded to him, he steered it into the other corner.
Job done? Not at all. The sucker punch came when Adrián accepted a back-pass from Alexander-Arnold and shanked his clearance low and straight to João Felix, who moved it to the substitute Marcos Llorente.
The midfielder, who joined last summer from Real Madrid, is not noted for his goalscoring prowess but nobody would have known it. He took one touch to set himself before banging low into the bottom corner.
Adrián was extremely slow to get down and across.
Llorente was not finished. At the end of the first period of extra-time, he took a pass from another substitute, Alvaro Morata, as Atlético broke and, with Liverpool players backing off, he repeated the trick. Touch, shot, goal.
Again, Adrián was nowhere near to the shot and it was easy to imagine that Oblak or, more pertinently, Alisson – Liverpool’s injured No1 – would have done better.
Liverpool were broken and Morata rubbed salt into their wounds by running through at the very end to score again. Simeone’s joy knew no bounds.
It has been a difficult season for him and his team on the domestic front, with them currently lagging sixth in La Liga, 13 points behind the leaders, Barcelona. But here, they dug in for a famous win.
They found a way.-The Guardian
ZIFA has announced the arrival of inspectors from the Confederation of African Football to conduct preliminary inspection on the country’s stadiums.
The Herald reported last week that some CAF inspectors were set to arrive in this country to look at the National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields.
Both stadiums are under renovation. ZIFA spokesperson said the inspectors were not for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, including the match the Warriors are set to play the Desert Foxes at the end of this month, but for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
‘’Following the draw of lots conducted to determine groups for 2022 World Cup qualifiers held in January, the Confederation of African Football is conducting inspections on stadiums that the Zimbabwe Football Association earmarked for World Cup qualifiers,’’ Gwesela said in a statement.
‘’The inspection team seconded by CAF, Derek Blackensee and Mark Anthony Fish from South Africa, will assess the National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields’ suitability to host the FIFA World Cup qualifier set for later this year.
‘’The first phase of the inspection, which will indicate areas that need to be improved, takes place from the 12 to 13 March while the follow up and final phase to determine suitability to host World Cup qualifiers will be held any time before 1 August 2020.
‘’ZIFA appeals to all stakeholders to continue working towards up-liftment of our stadia to satisfy international standards.
‘’It is our fervent hope that in the near future we can have not only National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields hosting international matches, but more stadia across the country.
‘’There is not much time between now and August, but within that space Zimbabwe can do what needs to be done to retain our right to play home matches in Zimbabwe.’’-State media
Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says government is implementing a raft of measures set to control the exchange rate.
Read full statement below :
PRESS STATEMENT
STATEMENT BY HON. PROF. MTHULI NCUBE, MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CURRENCY STABILISATION TASK FORCE
MEASURES TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE RATE AND REDUCE INFLATION
Distinguished Captains of Banking and Industry, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am addressing you today against a background of recent exchange rate volatility, which has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.
In this regard, Government is taking measures to stabilise the exchange rate and top bring down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.
Macro-economic stability is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, critical for economic growth and the achievement of the goals set out in H.E.’s Vision 2030.
In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence, to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a
Currency Stabilisation Task Force has been set up. This will be spear-headed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and will include members of the MPC and PAC.
The Task Force will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and will meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that the measures that I outline below are expeditiously implemented.
The Task Force will put in place additional policy measures, where necessary.
Let me now give you a broad outline of the measures that have been agreed to and that are currently under implementation:
I. FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF A MANAGED FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM:
Zimbabwe has had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform for a long time.
Consequently, official rates have not been effectively determined, while a thriving parallel market has developed.
To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined.
The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their Authorised Dealers.
The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions.
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary. This mechanism will be immediately operational. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through the interbank market which will use a market determined exchange rate.
The specific steps and measures to be taken by Government and key stakeholders to ensure the success of this system are as follows:
b. BANKS WILL BE THE MARKET MAKERS. THE REUTERS SYSTEM WILL GENERATE A DAILY EXCHANGE RATE IN AN A.M. AND P.M. FIX.
c. BANKS WILL CHARGE BUREAUX VERY THIN MARGINS ON TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE ROUTED THROUGH THEM AS THE AUTHORISED DEALERS.
THEY CAN TRADE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AT +/- 5% OF DAILY FX FIX.
c. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM FLOAT OF USD 20,000.
d. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL CASH AVAILABLE FROM RBZ SUBJECT TO DAILY LIMITS. CASH PURCHASES CAN BE PAID FOR IN ZWL AT 1:1 OR USD AT DAILY EXCHANGE RATE. ALL BUREAUX REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE DEMAND DRIVEN.
e. BUREAUX CAN USE EXCESS USD TO PURCHASE ZWL CASH FROM RBZ.
c. SHALL MAINTAIN A FULLY OPERATIONALISE REUTERS TRADING DESK IN TRADING ROOM SO THAT BIDS/OFFERS BY BANKS ON REUTERS SYSTEM CAN BE MONITORED AND INFLUENCED IF REQUIRED.
d. WILL LIBERALISE USE OF FREE FUNDS FOR IMPORTATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES. THIS PROCESS HAS ALREADY COMMENCED WITH DIRECT FUEL IMPORTS.
OTHER MEASURES TO LIBERALISE THE USE OF FREE FUNDS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.
e. SHALL RELEASE ANY SURPLUS FUNDS BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SERVICING ESSENTIAL DEBT AND OTHER PRIORITY GOVERNMENT USES INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET ON A DAILY BASIS.
f. SHALL PROVIDE THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND MPC WITH PRECISE DATA ON DAILY/WEEKLY FOREX INFLOWS AND ESTIMATED AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR RELEASE INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET.
g. WILL DISCONTINUE USE OF LC’S GRADUALLY AND ENCOURAGE ALL IMPORTERS, INCLUDING FUEL IMPORTERS, TO ACCESS FX THROUGH THE INTERBANK MARKET. IN THE INTERIM ALL LC’S SHOULD BE ISSUED AT DAILY
INTERBANK RATE.
h. WILL WORK WITH MAJOR IMPORTERS TO ASSESS AND SMOOTH THEIR FX DEMAND.
i. WILL WORK WITH SMALL BANKS WHO DO NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPORTER CLIENTS TO ACCESS FOREX FROM THE INTERBANK MARKET.
II. SUPPORTING MEASURES RELATING TO MONEY SUPPLY, LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT AND INTEREST RATES:
To support the success of the new foreign exchange management system, the following measures are to be put in place. It should be noted that all these measures are part of our de-dollarization Road Map. So they will be introduced in a phased but time bound manner.
Government is cognisant of the fact that unrestrained increases in money supply are one of the fundamental causes of inflation and the depreciation of the exchange rate. Indeed, hyperinflation prior to 2009 was caused precisely by this factor. In view of this the existing framework of fiscal and monetary discipline will reinforced as follows:
IN LINE WITH THIS GOAL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT HAS A CASH SURPLUS OF OVER ZWL3 BILLION.
b. WILL PROJECT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR AND ANNOUNCE ITS TB ISSUANCE CALENDAR, IF SUCH FINANCING IS REQUIRED.
c. ENSURE THAT ALL TB ISSUANCE FOR OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS WILL BE APPROVED BY THE MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE.
d. WILL SMOOTHEN EXPENDITURE DISBURSEMENTS SO THAT LARGE OR LUMPY
ZWL PAYMENTS ARE NOT BUNCHED WHICH WOULD DISRUPT THE FOREIGN
EXCHANGE MARKET.
e. UNDERPIN THE USE OF THE ZWL BY IMPLEMENTING THE PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES, DUTIES, FEES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT CHARGES IN ZWL IN A PHASED BUT TIME BOUND MANNER.
b. INTRODUCE MINIMUM INTEREST RATES ON ALL DEPOSITS, INCLUDING TRUST ACCOUNTS UNDERPINNING MOBILE BANKING WALLETS, TO INCENTIVIZE SAVINGS AND ENCOURAGE HOLDING OF THE DOMESTIC CURRENCY.
c. MOP UP EXCESS LIQUIDITY BEING HELD BY CORPORATES AND OTHER LARGE HOLDERS OF ZWL IN THE BANKING SYSTEM BY INTRODUCING SHORT TERM OMO CORPORATE BILLS WITH ATTRACTIVE FEATURES.
III. OTHER REGULATORY MEASURES:
To ensure the success of the economic measures outlined above, certain regulatory changes will also be put into effect as a matter of urgency:
a. PENALTIES: Our laws and enforcement regime are not as effective as they should be when it comes to crimes relating to foreign exchange and financial fraud.
The current legal and institutional framework relating to curbing of trading on the parallel market is quite inadequate.
Government will be reviewing all the laws and institutional framework in order to bring them in line with international best practices and more importantly, monitor the effectiveness of institutions charged with implementing the laws.
The sanctions framework for illegal foreign exchange trading, will be enhanced to provide for a range of effective proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, including more stringent criminal, civil and administrative penalties.
b. MOBILE MONEY PLATFORMS: While mobile money platforms have made a significant contribution to facilitating trade and payments in the country, they have also become an instrument which is being used by unscrupulous businesses to illegally trade foreign exchange and undermine the economy.
The RBZ is, therefore, currently reviewing all the regulations covering such platforms. In particular, it is intended to:
Place limits on daily bulk payer transactions.
Ensure compliance with the 2% IMTT on bulk payers.
Additionally, the daily returns being submitted by the mobile platforms to the Financial Intelligence Unit of the RBZ will be scrutinised very carefully by the Currency Stabilisation Task Force to ensure that all transactions are legitimate and are in accordance with the financial regulations in place.
Finally, I would like to state that as the financial authorities of the country, it is our duty to undertake a strong communications drive to explain all the measures we are introducing, and their intended outcomes.
Otherwise, misinformation from the social media begins to rule the day.
I can assure you that it is the determination of this Government under the strong leadership of H.E. E.D. Mnangagwa, to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve
exchange rate stability, reduce inflation, and by the end of this year put in place all the necessary building blocks to achieve high rates of growth, poverty reduction, and the other goals of Vision 2030.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
11 March 2020
Farai Dziva|Senator Morgen Komichi has distanced himself from a purported resignation letter written in his name last week.
See MDC statement below :
MDC Mobilises Zimbabweans For Political Action
The MDC National Standing Committee (NSC) met today(Tuesday) and restated the Congress resolutions of May 2019 – pursuant to the big five fights as articulated in #Agenda2020.
The party is currently mobilising Zimbabweans across the country for a big political action to push for a people’s government.
The people’s party resolved to work with all progressive forces in pushing for a peaceful and non-violent people’s action meant to return the country to legitimacy and democracy.
The people’s party took hours deliberating on the deteriorating situation across the country, the threat of the corona virus, hunger and starvation, the collapsed social services sector, the sky-rocketing fees and food prices, the power and fuel shortages and the general high cost of living that has affected every household in Zimbabwe.
To this end, it was resolved that, a big political action be mobilised and organised.
The NSC also noted that the people’s party’s call and quest for genuine and sincere dialogue to resolve the national situation has been spurned and turned down by Mr. Mnangagwa.
The people’s party has therefore drawn a line in the sand until the possibility of dialogue becomes a viable and available option.
The NSC received a report of the state, health and hygiene of the people’s party. In this regard the NSC discussed the persistent and desperate machinations by the illegitimate regime to portray the people’s party as a house in turmoil by manufacturing fake letters and false communication in the names of certain of our leaders.
To this end, Senator Morgen Komichi, a respected people’s party leader himself, took advantage of today’s meeting to dismiss the false communication manufactured in his name.
He also reaffirmed his unstinting faith and loyalty to the party and its leadership and expressed his undying faith in the MDC as the sole repository of hope for the people of Zimbabwe.
The people’s party leadership also discussed and noted the need for message discipline and consistency and emphasized that all communication be done by its relevant designated officials.
The people’s party notes with extreme concern the deteriorating health situation in the country and in particular the threat of the corona virus, and has since directed the Secretary for Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera to actively state the position of the people’s party on the matter.
Zimbabweans are demanding for a people’s government, an improvement of their livelihoods and restoration of their dignity, a decisive end to corruption, respect of human rights and a return to constitutionalism and democracy.
ChangeThatDelivers
MDC Communications
The Moroccan health ministry yesterday confirmed the continent’s first COVID-19 death after an 89-year-old woman who had tested positive for the virus died under medical supervision at a hospital in Casablanca.
According to the publication, the woman had been living in Italy and she came back to Morocco in late February and tested positive for the virus before she died.
However according to health officials she also:
suffered from chronic illnesses affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system.
Meanwhile, Kinshasa DRC recorded its first case, a Belgian citizen who has been in DRC for a few days.-State media
Watch:chaos in Parliament over absent Ministers
In the video below Temba Mliswa attacks lazy Ministers. ..
Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.
Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.
Moyo said :
The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!
Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.
I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.
Celebration time, Atletico Madrid players at the final whistle. Own Correspondent|Liverpool’s reign as Champions League holders is over at Atletico Madrid won 3-2 at Anfield to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
Atletico headed into the second leg of this last-16 tie with a 1-0 advantage courtesy of their win in Madrid, but Georginio Wijnaldum’s first-half header sent the sides in level 1-1 on aggregate with 45 minutes left to play.
Jan Oblak was in superb form with save after save to deny Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and the game went into extra-time.
Roberto Firmino put Liverpool in front four minutes into extra-time, but a big call from Diego Simeone was to prove drastic.
Simeone took off Diego Costa 55 minutes in, prompting a furious reaction from the forme Chelsea striker. His replacement, however, made the difference – Marcos Llorente cancelled out Firmino’s strike in the seventh minute of extra-time to put Atletico ahead on away goals following an error from Adrian.
Llorente then struck on the stroke of half-time in extra-time to leave Liverpool needing two goals to progress, but Alvaro Morata scored with seconds left to seal a 4-2 aggregate win and end Liverpool’s Champions League defence.
Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.
Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.
Moyo said :
The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!
Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.
I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.
Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.
Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.
Moyo said :
The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!
Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.
I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.
GOVERNMENT has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to South Africa until the neighbouring country is safe from coronavirus (Covid-19) to minimise the risk of exposure.
Seven South Africans have so far tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the virus closer to home.
So far, no positive case of coronavirus has been recorded in Zimbabwe.
Globally more than 100 000 people have so far tested positive for Covid-19 which has killed more than 3 700 across worldwide.
The virus has been recorded in nine countries on the continent Senegal, Tunisia, Togo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa and Egypt which has the highest number of cases and first death in Africa.
A number of travel-associated cases of coronavirus have been identified in other countries.
Early this month, President Mnangagwa restricted international travel, especially outside Africa, while civil servants were banned from foreign trips as Government takes measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Many Zimbabweans work in South Africa and thousands travel there for business.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube has since urged residents to avoid unnecessarily crossing the border to the neighbouring country in the face of reported cases in the neighbouring country.
“As Bulawayo we first have to observe that this coronavirus is there, it’s very real.
We should take precautionary measures that have been laid down by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
We should wash our hands, avoid shaking hands among other things. We should also minimise on our travelling to the neighbouring country as part of measures to ensure that we remain safe from the virus. It is my prayer that the virus does not reach Zimbabwe,” said Minister Ncube.-State media
A SCHOOL in Lupane District, Matabeleland North, is nearly deserted after pupils claimed to have been assaulted by goblins, district school inspector Lovemore Ncube has said.
Ncube said parents and guardians withdrew their children from Mhlanga Mlambo Primary School to protect them from being attacked by suspected goblins.
Lessons were suspended on February 10 and only resumed last Friday, but only a few children turned up.
“The school was closed on February 10 when parents decided to protect their children from being attacked by goblins. However, on Friday we had about 90 children attending lessons. The school has an enrolment of over 180 so I am expecting a report from the school head on the progress,” said Ncube.
Ncube said traditional leaders with the blessing of Chief Mabhikwa engaged the services of a traditional healer who cleansed the school and surrounding homesteads.
“Parents and the traditional leadership engaged the services of a traditional healer who cleansed the school and the surrounding areas; so that is why lessons have resumed,” he said.
A teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity said she was alerted by a Grade Three pupil who came running to the staff room saying they were being beaten by “invisible things” while playing at the school grounds.
She rushed to the grounds where two Grade Four pupils were wriggling on the ground while others were frothing on the mouth.
The pupils were taken to the clinic where they were treated and discharged.
She added that the problem persisted the following day when more pupils were seen rolling on the ground after they were tripped by “things” believed to be goblins.
A red flag was then raised by the community leading to the closure of the school and the subsequent cleansing ceremony where parents contributed $10 per household towards paying the traditional healer.-State media
THE government yesterday hiked ZBC listeners’ licence fees for a car radio to $600 a quarter and also legalised the payment of the fees in foreign currency.
This was contained in Statutory Instrument 63 of 2020 gazetted yesterday.
“A listener may pay any fee referred to in Subsection (1) in euros, British pounds, South African rand or Botswana pula at the international cross rate of exchange of the currency in question for the ZWL dollar, rounded downwards or upwards to the nearest multiple of ten.
“The Broadcasting (Listeners’ Licences) (Fees) Notice, 2009, published in Statutory Instrument 19 of 2009, is repealed.”
The SI 63 of 2020 also increased the licence fees.
“The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings, with the approval of the minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, hereby makes the following notice, in terms of section 38B(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06]:
“The fee payable for a licence issued to a listener for a receiver in terms of the licences regulations, or for the renewal of such a licence, shall be — in the case of a listener’s licence (sound-rural), 25 ZWL dollars per quarter or part.
“In the case of a listener’s licence (sound-urban), 50 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; in the case of a listener’s licence (sound and television), 100 ZWL dollars per quarter or part.
Those who want listener’s licences for business premises will fork out $450 per quarter or part.
“In the case of a listener’s licence (television-business premises), 1 000 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; in the case of a listener’s licence (sound-private vehicle), 300 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; Broadcasting (Listeners’ Licences) (Fees) Notice, 2020
“In the case of a listener’s licence (sound-employer-owned vehicle), 600 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; in the case of a listener’s licence (sound and television vehicle), 1 000 ZWL dollars per quarter or part,” the gazette reads.
CAF has announced that its competitions will go ahead in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus with several important matches on the continent looming, insisting Africa has not been declared a ‘high risk’ area over the disease.
Despite this declaration Africa’s football governing body says it will consider playing some matches behind closed doors to meet the expectations of some countries that have announced restrictive measures to help fight the deadly disease.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is set to run between 4-25 April in Cameroon while a series of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are currently scheduled to take place at the end of this month.
Kenya’s governing has asked its FA to call off their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros while Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia have all taken various measure against matches.
“The Cairo-based body says that it will hold talks with the authorities of the concerned countries over the issue to make a case-by-case assessment before deciding how matches would be played,” a CAF statement read on Wednesday.
“CAF wishes to inform Member Associations and the entire African football family that we are closely monitoring the evolution of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world and in particular the African continent. According to World Health Organization (WHO), no African country till date has been declared a high risk.”
Consequently, CAF has decided to maintain the schedule of all competitions. +Also, CAF has been informed of the restrictive measures taken by the authorities of some Member Associations and is in contact to find solutions on a case-by-case basis, with the option of the organization of matches behind closed doors.
CAF is dispatching a three-man delegation this week to Cameroon to assess the country’s situation ahead of their hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next month.
The purpose of the visit is to assess all the preventive measures taken by the local organizing committee ahead of the tournament for only home-based players.
The inspection visit by the Caf medical committee is scheduled for March 14 and 15, 2030 in Cameroon
Fears about the spread of the disease have prompted several forthcoming sporting events to either be cancelled, postponed or played behind closed doors.
But CAF says because the continent has not been badly hit by the disease it will continue to monitor development over Coronavirus in Africa to make the right decision.
FIFA has called off its Congress scheduled for Addis Ababa in June while several football competition across the globe have been suspended while other are being played behind closed doors.
The development means Nigeria’s home clash with Serria Leone will go ahead as scheduled for March 27 in Asaba.
Auxillia Mnangagwa the bus driverOwn Correspondent|The ZBC reports that First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa has passed a Class One Driver’s Licence which will allow her to drive a passenger vehicle with twenty passengers and above.
The state broadcaster claims that Mrs Mnangagwa was motivated to train as a bus driver due to the high carnage on the roads caused by male bus drivers.
The report says that the training of female drivers has been identified as key in reducing road carnage and preserving the sanctity of human life.
“The number of female drivers in the public transport sector remains low despite the general sentiment that women are careful drivers and Mrs Mnangagwa has since moved in to inspire other women by upgrading her driver’s licence to Class One,” they reported.
Mrs Mnangagwa, received her Class One driver’s licence in Harare this Wednesday, and encouraged other women to take up the profession to reduce road carnage as well as get employment.
“Women are the most careful drivers and I have done it so I urge women to also consider taking class one and save the lives of people on the roads. I have done it and women can do it ,” she said.
Vehicle Inspection Department Eastlea Depot Manager, Onesmo Bumira applauded the First Lady for being a careful driver.
“She has passed the test and am happy that she is a careful driver. Women are generally good drivers and I urge other women to follow suit,” he said.
The report said Auxillia had earlier on taken lessons in defensive driving which were conducted by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
ZANU PF Mash East kingpin, Ray Kaukonde has been dropped from the US sanctions list.
Kaukonde, the late Shuvai Ben Mahofa, Sithokozile Mathuthu, and Naison Ndlovu, are no longer specified persons under the ZIDERA Act.
By Dorrothy Moyo – Washington – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday designated Anselem Sanyatwe (Sanyatwe) and Owen Ncube (Ncube) for their involvement in human rights abuses including directing an attack on peaceful demonstrators and political opponents in Zimbabwe. OFAC is concurrently removing sanctions on Ray Kaukonde, Shuvai Ben Mahofa, Sithokozile Mathuthu, and Naison Ndlovu, all of whom were previously designated pursuant to Treasury’s Zimbabwe sanctions authorities.
“Political and military leaders in Zimbabwe have repeatedly used violence to silence political dissent and peaceful protests,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Justin G. Muzinich. “The Trump Administration will hold accountable corrupt Zimbabwean elites for their repressive and violent rule.”
ANSELEM SANYATWE
In July 2018, Zimbabwe held its first elections since the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe in late 2017. Protesters subsequently took to the streets to speak out against the flawed elections. According to public reports, on August 1, 2018, security forces fired live ammunition to disperse the protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and many more injured. According to multiple sources, Sanyatwe, in his former role as the commander of the Zimbabwean National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade, activated and deployed troops to multiple parts of the capital city to attack and silence the demonstrators. Sanyatwe reportedly ordered a member of the Zimbabwean military to shoot protestors. Sanyatwe was later appointed as the Zimbabwe Ambassador to Tanzania, a position he still occupies.
Sanyatwe is being designated for being responsible for, or participating in, human rights abuses related to political repression in Zimbabwe pursuant to E.O. 13469.
OWEN NCUBE
In his role as the Minister of National Security, Ncube, with the support of other Zimbabwean government officials, ordered the Zimbabwean security services to identify, abduct, and mistreat individuals assessed to be supporters of a Zimbabwean opposition group. In addition, while in his position, the government of Zimbabwe has at times used so-called “ferret teams” to abduct and beat individuals deemed to be a threat to the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).
Ncube is being designated for being responsible for, or participating in, human rights abuses related to political repression in Zimbabwe pursuant to E.O. 13469.
ZIMBABWE SANCTIONS PROGRAM
Beginning with E.O. 13288, “Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe,” in March of 2003, the Department of the Treasury has used its authorities to identify, disrupt the activities of, and hold accountable persons who commit human rights abuses, engage in corruption, or undermine democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe. Treasury joins the Department of State in urging the Zimbabwean government to take meaningful steps towards creating a peaceful, prosperous, and politically vibrant Zimbabwe, rather than using public resources to blame Zimbabwe’s ills on parties other than its corrupt elite and the institutions they abuse for their personal benefit. Today’s actions demonstrate the importance of Treasury’s Zimbabwe authorities and U.S. commitment to support their viability.
Treasury’s authorities in relation to Zimbabwe are publicly available, and Treasury strongly encourages those with questions on the reach or extent of those authorities, or the criteria for the listing or delisting of individuals or entities, to access Treasury’s page dedicated to the Zimbabwe sanctions program, found here.
As a result of Treasury’s designation, all property and interests in property of these individuals that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated person.
These actions follow Sanyatwe and Ncube’s public designations for gross violations of human rights by the Department of State in August and October 2019, which blocked Sanyatwe and Ncube from entering the United States, the state department said.
For more information on the individuals designated today, click here.
Wuhan Going back to life Reuters| Some vital industries in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic, were told they can resume work on Wednesday, a day after President Xi Jinping visited there for the first time since the outbreak began.
The city of 11 million has been in lockdown since late January but Xi’s visit signaled the tide was turning in the government’s favor as it fights to contain a virus that as of Tuesday had infected 80,778 people in China and killed 3,158.
The lifting of some restrictions in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged in December, comes as the vast majority of new cases are now being reported outside China. Other countries have begun imposing “social distancing” measures such as those that the Beijing authorities credit with slowing the spread in China.
Authorities elsewhere in China have lowered emergency response levels to the epidemic and relaxed travel restrictions.
Drawing confidence from Xi’s visit and falling new infections, the Hubei provincial government said public transport workers in Wuhan and those engaged in making medical supplies and producing daily necessities could return to work.
Other industries that impact national or global supply chains can also return to work with permission, it said.
Curbs on transport in Wuhan remain in place, and schools in the province would remain closed until further notice.
Wuhan accounts for nearly 10% of vehicles made in China and is home to hundreds of parts suppliers. Across the country, manufacturing is slowly returning to normal.
Though the economy is still operating at about 25% below its usual levels, activity should be fully restored by the end of April, Francoise Huang, senior economist at Euler Hermes, predicted in a note to clients.
The State Council, China’s cabinet, said on Wednesday it would move to boost lending support for small companies hit hard by the coronavirus. It will cut the proportion of cash banks must hold in reserves, as well as taking steps to stabilize foreign trade and investment.
Japanese automaker Nissan said it planned to partially resume production at two Chinese plants, one of them in Hubei. Its competitor Honda said that some employees had returned to work at its plant in Wuhan, and that it would gradually restart production from Wednesday.
In a gesture to further boost investor confidence, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Wednesday it will help foreign-invested firms resume work and expand sectors in which foreign investment is encouraged.
The city of Qianjiang in Hubei bucked a wider loosening trend, with authorities saying they would retain strict transport bans.
Latest figures from the National Health Commission showed 24 new coronavirus cases nationwide, and 22 more deaths as of Tuesday. All the latest deaths occurred in Wuhan.
New infections in Hubei continued to stabilize, with new cases declining for the sixth day. All 13 new cases in Hubei were recorded in Wuhan.
Wuhan “may have zero new cases by the end of March if we work harder and if nothing sudden comes up,” Chinese epidemiologist Li Lanjuan said in a interview with the official People’s Daily. Li is director of China’s State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.
IMPORTED CASES
The most encouraging trend to be taken from the latest infection figures was lower rate of transmission within communities in China, as 10 of Tuesday’s 24 new cases involved people traveling from abroad.
But Chinese customs said downward pressure on China’s foreign trade and the global economy is still increasing as the coronavirus epidemic is spreading quickly abroad.
“Stabilizing trade growth would be more difficult,” Customs said in a statement. “Risks of imported cases are suddenly rising, and dealing with coronavirus-related risks at China’s ports would pose a major challenge.”
While only 79 of the cases in China have come from abroad, the rising number of such incidences has prompted authorities to shift their focus on containing the risk of imported cases.
The capital Beijing saw six new cases on Tuesday involving individuals who traveled from Italy and the United States, while Shanghai had two imported infections, Shandong province one and Gansu province one. The southern province of Guangdong reported three cases involving travelers, one from France and two from Spain.
Elsewhere, however, Hunan province and the municipality of Chongqing lowered their emergency response level, while cities around Shandong province resumed inter-city and rural passenger transportation routes, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
So far, about three-quarters of China’s municipalities, regions and provinces have lowered their emergency response level from the highest tier.
By A Correspondent- A three member tribunal has been sworn in by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa to enquire into the Supreme Court Judge, Francis Bere’s fitness to continue holding judicial office following his suspension over allegations that he interfered with a pending civil court case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and his relatives.
Retired Judge Simbi Mubako was appointed as chair of the tribunal and the other members of the tribunal are Advocates Rekai Maphosa and Takawira Nzombe.
Speaking after the ceremony, the chair of the tribunal, Rtd. Judge Mubako said they have hit the ground running.
“We are starting today laying the foundation but proper work will start anytime this week or next week,” said Retired Judge Mubako.
He said the completion of the investigations will depend on the complexity of the case.
“We are do not know how long it will take. It will depend on evidence attained from the investigations and since we are just starting now, we do not know how complex the case is,” added Retired Judge Mubako.
Mubako also spoke about the key tenets of a judge, emphasizing on some of the things that his team will look into during the inquiry.
“A lot is expected of a judge. A judge is supposed to be a fit and proper person who upholds the dignity of the court and the dignity of justice in general meaning the person should be leading in virtue,” he said
Justice Bere faces allegations of interfering with a pending court case and was automatically suspended from duty pending the outcome of the tribunal’s investigation.
Justice Bere reportedly of meddled in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration and his relatives.
The supreme court judge is said to have telephoned Zinara lawyer, Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara and Fremus Enterprises (owned by the judge’s relatives).
The complaint was first raised before Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza during a court hearing before Ndudzo was asked to make the complaint in writing.-StateMedia
Cain Mathema Government is going to pay 53 percent of the June and November examination fees for all candidates in public schools, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema has said.
Minister Mathema said Government had already released $150 million towards preparations of the examinations. Parents will foot the remainder. He said Government, Local Authority and non-profit mission schools will be the only ones to benefit.
“I would now like to advise all parents and guardians in Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced levels. Government will be contributing 53 percent of the examination fees in public schools while parents and guardians will take up 47 percent,” he said.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ( RBZ) will soon start monitoring all suspicious mobile money transactions which have allegedly contributed to a serious spike of the USD.
The exchange rate has apparently risen to abnormal figures, currently trading at 1:45 on the black market.
Addressing members of the media on Wednesday, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said the reserve bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) intends to place a cap on daily bulk money transactions as mobile platforms have become spectrums of illegal business dealings.
Mthuli said, “Mobile money platforms have become an instrument which is being used by unscrupulous businesses to illegally trade foreign currency undermining the economy.”
“The RBZ is therefore currently reviewing all regulations covering such to ensure that all transactions are legitimate.”
He added that a currency stabilization task force will inspect the daily profits being submitted by the mobile platforms to the financial intelligence unit of RBZ.
Zimbabwean mobile money agents, mostly with the dominant EcoCash platform, have been capitalizing on cash shortages in the country subjecting people to additional cash out charges.
Late last year, the central bank issued a directive for all mobile payment system providers and merchants to discontinue cash in and cash out services alleging that these mobile agents were causing more misery on citizens by charging high cash out rates thereby effectively devaluing the local currency against the US dollar.
Currently, the maximum amount for transactions is stipulated at RTGS$1000 and the transaction limit for cash out is RTGS$100.
Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto were arrested on Friday and held in pre-trial detention in Asuncion for entering Paraguay using forged documents.
Sources close to his defence team said the lawyers were trying to get the brothers a hearing yesterday in the hope of securing their temporary release.
Brazilian press reported that the country’s justice minister, Sergio Moro, had contacted Paraguayan authorities over Ronaldinho’s case.
“Moro only called to obtain information on the case, because . . . the Brazilian government is following it,” a justice ministry official said, denying that Brazil was trying to meddle in the case.
Ronaldinho’s Brazilian lawyer Sergio Queiroz has previously insisted that the two-time world player of the year’s detention was “illicit, illegal and unlawful.”
“Ronaldinho did not commit a crime because he did not know that the passport they gave him was faked,” he said.
The brothers are spending a fourth day behind bars in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion, where late summer temperatures have soared to 40 degrees Celsius.
Queiroz wants the pair to be released and allowed to return to their home country.
He said prosecutors originally agreed that the footballer had acted in good faith before a judge ordered their detention, which Queiroz described as unwarranted.
Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was one of the stars of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win and played for European giants Barcelona Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, among others.
He and his brother arrived in Asuncion from Brazil on Wednesday and showed their passports to immigration police, who did not immediately notice any problem with the documents.
Hours later, when the passports were determined to be fake, investigators raided the hotel room Ronaldinho was staying in and seized the brothers’ identity cards and travel documents.
Ronaldinho said the passports had been given to him by people who had invited him to attend conferences sponsored by charities working with disadvantaged children.
A Brazilian businessman has also been arrested in connection with the fake passports, while two Paraguayan women have been placed under house arrest and Paraguay’s migration director has resigned.
Queiroz said the brothers were offered the passports “to facilitate the possibility of doing business” in Paraguay.
“The idea was to position Ronaldinho with brands and companies,” he added.
Paraguayan president Mario Abdo on Monday revoked by decree the legal status of the foundation that invited Ronaldinho to the country. — AFP.
By A Correspondent| As government goes ahead to push through constitutional amendments to turn Emmerson Mnangagwa into a monster leader with powers far greater than President Robert Mugabe’s, just what type of a country is this lovely nation about to turn into? Hard Video V11s show the ZANU PF leader saying he believes that all election winners are mere corpses, literally.
In a chilling warning during the same function where he said if he were God, he would deprive all MDC supporters of oxygen, Mnangagwa told a Masvingo gathering in May 2015, democracy is only found among corpses.
He spoke in the Shona vernacular saying, “to all of us here I always ask where are the majority, among the living or among the corpses?
“They are among the dead.
“Democracy says we must go to the majority. That’s why there is death on earth.
“It’s democracy, those who win elections are the majority.”
Zimbabwe has abandoned its strictly controlled foreign exchange rate regime and adopted a managed float” exchange rate regime with immediate effect.
Under the new regime, banks will take a bigger role in the trading of foreign currency, narrowing the gap with the unofficial market by allowing trade on a more transparent platform.
“This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely among banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined,” Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said.
The Zimbabwe dollar officially traded at par with the United States dollar until October 2018 but has since fallen to 39:1 on the black market and 18:1 on the interbank market.
The volatility of the Zimbabwe dollar has seen prices rocketing as they continue to be pegged on the United States dollar.
Watch video downloading below:
THE Confederation of African Football (Caf) is yet to make a decision on whether the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group H qualifier between Algeria and Zimbabwe will go ahead due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Algeria is one of the worst-affected countries on the continent, with at least 20 confirmed cases of the deadly epidemic which originated in Wuhan, China last year.
The Desert Foxes are scheduled to host the Warriors at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on March 26.
What is of concern to Caf and both teams is the fact that Blida is the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in Algeria, with 17 of the 20 confirmed cases all from the city, which is 44km outside the capital Algiers.
Besides proposing to host the game in an empty stadium, the Federation of Algerian Football (Faf) is now lobbying Caf to move the game to Stade July 5 in the capital, which has no confirmed coronavirus cases so far.
Zifa recently wrote to Caf requesting clarity on whether the match should go ahead in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in Algeria.
However, the Cairo-based organisation is yet to make a determination on the matter.
“So far, no decision has been made by the authorities. We have already approached the ministry of Health and the ministry of Youth and Sports, with which we are in permanent consultation.
“We are monitoring the development of the situation closely. Caf has not yet confirmed the game going ahead on March 26, it may be that they have reservations about the place, due to the coronavirus epidemic.
“In this case, the match will be rescheduled to the Stade July 5, which is already on the Caf register, as an alternative. It is on the register and Les Verts coach Djamel Belmadi recently visited the venue,” Faf communications manager Salah-Bey Aboud told Algerian media yesterday.
Besides the issue regarding the venue, both teams are also facing a huge task of convincing European clubs to release their stars for the two games.
Aston Villa are unwilling to let star midfielder Marvelous Nakamba join his Warriors teammates for the trip to Algeria.
Villa fear that Nakamba will have to be put on isolation for 14 days afer he returns to the United Kingdom having visited a country affected with coronavirus.
Algeria are also sweating on the availability of their captain Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City and star midfielder Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan.
Daily News
By Zvikomborero Parafini |Controversial businessman and socialite Genius ‘Ginimbi’ Kadungure’s company Piko Trading is set to reach an out of court settlement with ZIMRA in the case he was accused of evading tax in gas trading, a Harare court has heard.
Ginimbi was back in court yesterday and appeared before regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya.
Representing the State, Admire Kumire and Lovett Masuku told the court that the State was waiting for Ginimbi’s lawyers to file their application for exception as highlighted on the previous hearing.
Ginimbi’s lawyer, Jonathan Samkange told the court that he hadn’t pursued that application because he had pursued an out of court settlement.
…..
“I wrote a letter to the Prosecutor General informing him of the out of court settlement and yesterday ZIMRA called me for a meeting today (yesterday) and we advised them that we will be able to see them after this court sitting to put the proposals in writing because all ZIMRA wants is its money,” said Samkange.
The State’s representatives Kumire and Masuku were surprised that was the position causing the presiding magistrate to question why ZIMRA wasn’t communicating the position of the arrangements to the State that is going to represent them in their matter.
It was later agreed that the application for postponement had been overtaken by events as there was a scheduled meeting between ZIMRA and Ginimbi.
The matter will be back in court on March 20.
Allegations facing Kadungure and his company are that they declared to Zimra that they received a total of $3 194 329,47, including VAT, in sales, yet they had pocketed $24 187 026, prejudicing Zimra of $2 512 149.
It is also alleged that Kadungure, between January 2015 and March 2016, smuggled about 5 289kg of liquefied petroleum gas into the country, prejudicing ZIMRA of $672 533 in taxes.
Kadungure and his company allegedly failed to forward $355 559 in employees’ tax to the Commissioner of Taxes between February 2009 and April 2016.
He is charged in his personal capacity for failing to submit documents about his income to the Commissioner of Taxes from January 2010 to December 2015 as required by the Income Tax Act. H-Metro
Editor, Zambia Watch:
I remember during the reign of President Mwanawasa, using the US Dollar to charge for goods and services was illegal and law breakers were arrested. No wonder the exchange rate was good.
But today under this useless regime, people do just as they wish. Just go to any of these shopping Malls and ask how much rent is. They will straight away tell you $200 per square metre or $3000 per month. It is the same for residential rent in most uptown areas especially those owned by foreigners.
This is one of the major reasons causing financial distortions. Zambians have to go buy actual US Dollars to pay rent in their own country.
What kind of government is this?
Mwanida
Mobile network operators Econet and NetOne have reviewed the prices of their mobile data bundle. This comes at a time when the local Zimbabwe Dollar has been sharply depreciating against foreign currency on the widely used black market.
Below are the new prices for mobile data bundles being offered by the two biggest networks in the country. The prices are only for data bundles and do not include social media bundles for applications like, WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
A Chilean police investigator searches for clues after a fake DHL van was abandoned moments after at least ten armed robbers stole $14 million and 1 million euros from an airport terminal on Monday. The money was shipped to Chile by Bank of AmericaAn armed gang of 10 stole about $15 million in cash after raiding a security van at an airport in Santiago, Chile, on Monday.
The heist took place at about midday local time (11 a.m. ET), when a group of 10 entered the cargo area of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and targeted a van belonging to security firm Brinks, according to CNN affiliate CNN Chile.
At least seven men entered the cargo area of the airport were the cash was stored and forced the security guards to hand the money over at gunpoint.
The gang passed themselves off as workers from delivery firm DHL, entering the airport in a vehicle in the company’s red and yellow livery, before threatening security guards and leaving one person injured after hitting them, reports CNN Chile.
The gang arrived in the airport’s cargo area aboard two vehicles, police colonel Oscar Figueroa told reporters.
“Once inside, they threatened the guards before making off with the money,” he said.
orge Sánchez from Chile’s Policia de Investigacion (PDI) gave a press conference on Monday following the heist, revealing that $14 million and one million euros in cash had been stolen.
Sánchez said the criminals may have had inside information that enabled them to carry out the heist, adding that the crime was carried out by professionals.
The PDI is investigating alongside the public prosecutor, said Sánchez, who added that the necessary security protocols were not in place.
In 2017, a gang stole a cash shipment worth $19 million (about R303m) from the same airport.
Police say they suspect the gang had “inside information”.
The cash shipment of dollars and euros had arrived from abroad shortly before the robbery and was due to be taken to banks in Chile.
An airport security guard was injured after receiving a blow to the head.
One of the vans used in the robbery was later found abandoned and partially burnt. Police said it did not belong to the courier company DHL but had been painted to look like it did.
It is not the first time a multi-million dollar sum has been stolen from the Arturo Merino Benítez airport. In 2014, a gang of nine men stole a cash shipment worth $10m.
Following that robbery, the airport security chief at the time was sacked.
businesstimes.com
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Mthuli Ncube GOVERNMENT has set up a broadly constituted taskforce to implement a package of policy measures meant to stabilise the exchange rate and reduce inflation.
Finance and Economic Development Minister professor Mthuli Ncube told journalists on Tuesday and bankers that the taskforce will be spearheaded his ministry and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and will include members of the Monetary Policy Committee and Presidential Advisory Council.
The policy measures to be implemented by the taskforce include foreign exchange management, introduction of managed exchange rate system as well as support measures relating to money supply, liquidity management and interest rates.
This comes against the backdrop of exchange rate volatility which has driven black market rates to as much as US$1 to $40 in the past few days leading to price hikes and inflation increase.
Watch video downloading below:
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
PROBLEMS continue to mount for former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s business empire after a Mazowe gold miner she allegedly displaced during her late husband, former President Robert Mugabe’s rule applied for a spoliation order to repossess the farm and equipment where his mine is located.
The “spoliation order” is a common law remedy whose purpose is to promote the rule of law and to serve as a shield against cases of “self-help”, where parties take the law into their own hands and exercise “power” which they do not have.
The miner, Langton Chapungu, whose case was already in the High Court seeking the eviction of the former First Lady; together with two other individuals who were only identified in court papers as Tongai and Jemwa, made an application for spoliation order last week.
In the application dated March 5, 2020, Chapungu is seeking an order that Grace returns to him vehicles and farm equipment she allegedly grabbed from him along with the farm.
In his founding affidavit, Chapungu said sometime in 2008, Grace unlawfully dispossessed him of his property and said her actions were unlawful.
“Pursuant to the above, I am advised that a spoliation order is an order for repossession of property which had been unlawfully disposed using illicit means,” he submitted.
“I was in lawful possession and the possession was despoiled by the respondent (Grace). The applicant (Chapungu) wishes to submit before this honourable court that the respondent used her political muscles as a former President’s wife who was immune to prosecution, hence she decided to unlawfully take the law onto her hands.”
Chapungu said in spite of the knowledge that the property belonged to him, Grace proceeded to unlawfully grab it.
“There’s no other remedy which will afford applicant the same relief as that afford by spoliation. A spoliation order will be the only way to ensure that applicant can fully exercise his right over the property in question,” he said.
“The applicant is, therefore, justified in approaching this honourable court seeking an order of spoliation as per draft order. Wherefore it is on these humble respectful submissions that I pray that such despoiled property be returned to the applicant.”
Since Mugabe’s ouster from power in a November 2017 coup, the former First Family has not enjoyed peace.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Grace by farmers and miners who claim she dispossessed them of their land.
The family is facing similar threats from Harare property owners who were displaced to pave way for expansion of Mugabe’s Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale.
The eviction bid comes after Mashonaland Central provincial mining director Tariro Ndhlovu, through a memo dated September 18, 2019, called on all mining claim owners in Manzou, Surtic, Smithfield, Arnold, Yarrowdale, Foyle Estate, Brecon, Bandari, Brundret, Maggiesdale and Glenbervile farms, some of which were owned by Grace, to get back on the farms.
Grace also risks losing one of her properties that form part of her family’s Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale following a High Court ruling in June to let go of the land in favour of the applicants, Farai and Nyasha Chitsinde.
Grace had until today to move off the contested land.
— NewsDay
Dear Editor
Inini chirwere ichi chakavhara danga rangu parizvino handisisina mombe ndaka looser mari in trying to save a few dzadzasara but it was too late thats why ndati dzinofa mushonga uri mu system and uri dangerous kana ukadyiwa nevanhu that is why it is advisable not to eat or milk mombe yabaiwa for a certain period of time.
Ndakauraya imwe yaita ma signs akaita dzimwe dzainge dzafa, l was surprised to see Rwatata rwakareba kupfura its normal size. The signs where kusafura, kubuda misodzi mumaziso kupera simba.
Nyama iyi mukainzwa test yayo yakatosiyana nenyama yemombe inehutano even the smell when you are cooking.
So idunga munhu kuti unoda zvipi hutano hwako here kana kuzorwara pamberi apo.
Anonzwa anzwa.
Thank for the clear infor from the vet office. Its true ikangorwara ichimbichimbi kuti izotengwa munhu oisa mari muhomwe zvekumberi hazvinei neatengesa.
Mushonga mukuru mirai kutenga nyama mumabutcher where ever pairi kutengeswa to save life nema bills ekuzvipatara vanhu vakurwara.
By Dorrothy Moyo – Washington – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday designated Anselem Sanyatwe (Sanyatwe) and Owen Ncube (Ncube) for their involvement in human rights abuses including directing an attack on peaceful demonstrators and political opponents in Zimbabwe. OFAC is concurrently removing sanctions on Ray Kaukonde, Shuvai Ben Mahofa, Sithokozile Mathuthu, and Naison Ndlovu, all of whom were previously designated pursuant to Treasury’s Zimbabwe sanctions authorities.
“Political and military leaders in Zimbabwe have repeatedly used violence to silence political dissent and peaceful protests,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Justin G. Muzinich. “The Trump Administration will hold accountable corrupt Zimbabwean elites for their repressive and violent rule.”
ANSELEM SANYATWE
In July 2018, Zimbabwe held its first elections since the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe in late 2017. Protesters subsequently took to the streets to speak out against the flawed elections. According to public reports, on August 1, 2018, security forces fired live ammunition to disperse the protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and many more injured. According to multiple sources, Sanyatwe, in his former role as the commander of the Zimbabwean National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade, activated and deployed troops to multiple parts of the capital city to attack and silence the demonstrators. Sanyatwe reportedly ordered a member of the Zimbabwean military to shoot protestors. Sanyatwe was later appointed as the Zimbabwe Ambassador to Tanzania, a position he still occupies.
Sanyatwe is being designated for being responsible for, or participating in, human rights abuses related to political repression in Zimbabwe pursuant to E.O. 13469.
OWEN NCUBE
In his role as the Minister of National Security, Ncube, with the support of other Zimbabwean government officials, ordered the Zimbabwean security services to identify, abduct, and mistreat individuals assessed to be supporters of a Zimbabwean opposition group. In addition, while in his position, the government of Zimbabwe has at times used so-called “ferret teams” to abduct and beat individuals deemed to be a threat to the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).
Ncube is being designated for being responsible for, or participating in, human rights abuses related to political repression in Zimbabwe pursuant to E.O. 13469.
ZIMBABWE SANCTIONS PROGRAM
Beginning with E.O. 13288, “Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe,” in March of 2003, the Department of the Treasury has used its authorities to identify, disrupt the activities of, and hold accountable persons who commit human rights abuses, engage in corruption, or undermine democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe. Treasury joins the Department of State in urging the Zimbabwean government to take meaningful steps towards creating a peaceful, prosperous, and politically vibrant Zimbabwe, rather than using public resources to blame Zimbabwe’s ills on parties other than its corrupt elite and the institutions they abuse for their personal benefit. Today’s actions demonstrate the importance of Treasury’s Zimbabwe authorities and U.S. commitment to support their viability.
Treasury’s authorities in relation to Zimbabwe are publicly available, and Treasury strongly encourages those with questions on the reach or extent of those authorities, or the criteria for the listing or delisting of individuals or entities, to access Treasury’s page dedicated to the Zimbabwe sanctions program, found here.
As a result of Treasury’s designation, all property and interests in property of these individuals that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated person.
These actions follow Sanyatwe and Ncube’s public designations for gross violations of human rights by the Department of State in August and October 2019, which blocked Sanyatwe and Ncube from entering the United States, the state department said.
For more information on the individuals designated today, click here.
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga is demanding a refund of US$245 428 paid into his estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa’s bank account as proceeds from his hunting concessions as the fight for properties exposes the lifestyles of Zimbabwe’s rich political masters.
Chiwenga’s lawsuit shows the extent of the couple’s property holdings previously kept under wraps.
The two are fighting for several properties and even small items acquired during their nine-year marriage, which has irretrievably broken down after Chiwenga accused Mubaiwa of trying to kill him while he was hospitalised in South Africa last year.
The two are also fighting over Orchid Farm in Domboshava.
Chiwenga says the property must be shared equally between the parties, with the former army commander exercising the right to buy out Mubaiwa after a valuation by an independent evaluator within 30 days of granting of a court order.
“Further, the parties purchased two large capacity events tents located and stored at Orchid Farm and the plaintiff prays that the parties get one tent each.
“Further, the plaintiff prays that the defendant be awarded all moveable household utensils located in the kitchen and the bed found in the bedroom located at 614 Nick Price drive, Borrowdale Brooke, Harare that the parties used during the subsistence of the marriage,” the papers read in part.
“Each party be allocated one large capacity events tent situated at Orchid Farm, Domboshava Road, Harare. Refund of US$245 428 paid into defendant’s bank account which she collected from plaintiff’s hunting concessions.”
In the papers, Chiwenga said he was “fit and healthy”, hence better placed to take care of the two’s minor children as he, unlike the former top model, had no drug abuse problems.
“On the other hand, the plaintiff is better poised to take better care of the minor children in that he is fit and healthy with no drug addiction problems. Plaintiff can better cater for the needs of the children as he is gainfully employed and has suitable comfortable accommodation to ensure that the lives of the children are not affected with the divorcing of the parties,” Chiwenga said in the papers.
The two were married in 2011 and Mubaiwa was given a divorce token in November last year.
“The plaintiff acquired the following assets for the defendant, namely a property called stand 591 Borrowdale, Harare, also known as Stand 137 Borrowdale Brooke measuring 3 198 square metres, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Sport and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck.”
Chiwenga said he was not interested in these assets, hence Mubaiwa could have them.
The divorce proceeding with Mubaiwa revealed that the two had properties in South Africa, apart from a list of luxury and expensive cars that includes the Toyota V8 Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz E350, among others.
Chiwenga’s divorce with his former wife Jocelyn in 2014 also exposed Chiwenga’s wealth, with companies and vast tracts of prime land in the leafy Harare suburbs. He also owned an apartment in Malaysia, to add to the many houses in the country.
Apart from possessing many posh vehicles, the retired army general was revealed to own an extensive jewellery collection.
— NewsDay
Correspondent|Zanu-PF provincial structures in Mashonaland Central and West provinces are reportedly on fire amid reports that members are calling for the ouster of their leadership.
The provinces are led by Cabinet ministers Kazembe Kazembe (Home Affairs) and his Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs counterpart Ziyambi Ziyambi, respectively.
According to sources, the volatile situation in Mashonaland Central has even sucked ordinary card carrying members who, in frustration, are reportedly sabotaging most events called by the leadership.
“The matter was taken to the party chairperson (Oppah Muchinguri) and she has tried in vain to bring the province together.
“She even tried to convince former politburo member Nicholas Goche to come back but all in vain. The issue has left an egg on the leadership’s face,” the sources said.
The situation has become so bad that even party president and first secretary, President Mnangagwa twice failed to address rallies in the province.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was reportedly left seething after failing to address a rally in Mvurwi after the clean-up campaign last week.
“Kazembe is not doing anything but all he does is to threaten to expel people from the party. He sometime boasts that he is too close to the President and he can do whatever he feels within the province and that has not gone well with party members,” the sources said.
They said even war veterans in the province have tried to engage Kazembe who was adamant and even threatened to expel them from the party.
“In last week’s Provincial Coordinating Committee, he humiliated people including journalists for exposing him. Members and war veterans representatives were chucked out of the meeting,” they said.
There are also reports that members of the presidium have vowed not to set foot in Mashonaland Central until everything has been resolved.
“Latest development in Mvurwi irked the Presidium and they vowed not to return to the province until they sort out their mess,” the sources added.
Meanwhile, in Mashonaland West, the fights have sucked in Local Government and Public Works deputy minister and Zvimba North legislator Marrian Chombo.
Chombo is accused of sabotaging the provincial leadership because of her position in government.
The provincial leadership also clashed during a recently held National Youth Day in Mhondoro while a PCC meeting held after a sports day held at Alaska Mine resolved to clip Chombo’s wings.
“Mashonaland West is one of the most chaotic provinces in the country while provincial chairman Ziyambi is fixated on dealing with Chombo who is accused of causing havoc in the province,” sources said.
Chombo is enjoying a new lease of life in Zanu-PF after being expelled from the party during former President Mugabe’s era.
Her political career has, however, been on a meteoritic rise after she was re-admitted into the party after Mugabe’s ouster and subsequently replacing former husband Ignatius as MP for Zvimba North.
President Mnangagwa also appointed Chombo local government deputy minister in a Cabinet re-shuffle late last year.
Mayor Solomon MnguniOwn Correspondent|Details just received indicate that the opposition MDC Bulawayo provincial executive has censured Bulawayo City mayor Solomon Mnguni and five other councillors after they agreed to renew the town clerk’s contract.
The province has reportedly banned the and the five councillors from accessing the party offices while their issue is being looked into.
Their offence is that they fast trekked the renewal of Bulawayo City Council Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube’s contract.
Dube, a war veteran with strong links to the ruling ZANU PF was unceremoniously appointed as the Mayor of Bulawayo through a government directive five years ago.
Clr Mguni recently confirmed in a report that Dube’s contract had been extended by a further five years after endorsement by the five councillors at committee level.
The general purposes council committee voted six to one in favour of extending Mr Dube’s contract.
MDC provincial chairperson Mr Swithern Chirowodza confirmed the ban saying the councillors will only be allowed to access party offices when they reverse Mr Dube’s contract renewal
More to follow
Obadiah MoyoHealth and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo has said Zimbabwean students stranded in China after the coronavirus outbreak should stay in the Asian country because their return might be “dangerous”, inadvertently confirming the government’s lack of preparedness to handle the fast-spreading deadly virus.
We speak with some of the Zimbabweans live from China.
Watch Live video downloading below:
Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane reportedly ‘deeply dislike’ each other, according to beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys.
The former Sky Sports man, writing in his personal blog, predicts tough times ahead for Liverpool despite them closing in on their first league title in 30 years.
The Reds are undoubtedly one of the finest teams in Europe at the moment after also winning the Champions League last season, and they look to have it in them to enjoy plenty more success.
However, a title victory this season could mean Salah or Mane try to move on to clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona, according to Keys, as he thinks both are eager to get away from each other.
Keys also thinks that after winning both the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, both players might well think they’ve achieved all they can at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane deeply dislike each other, says Richard KeysHe wrote: “Don’t believe what they tell you about Mane and Salah not having much time for each other. It’s worse than that. They deeply dislike each other.
“Both would be a whole lot happier playing in a team without the other. So – how does that happen? Do Liverpool sell one and keep the other? In an ideal world – yes. But I’ve got a feeling both could be on their way out. Here’s why…..
“I fancy that Barca will test Liverpool’s resolve to hang onto Mane. Never mind all the contractural (sic) clauses that were written into the Coutinho deal – if Mane has his head turned by the prospect of playing in the Camp Nou – he’s off. A football career is short – and the chances to play for the big two don’t come round too often. And what else could he achieve at Liverpool?
“Salah will be thinking the same if Real come calling. I think the smart money has to be on a move to The Bernabeau (sic).”
Salah and Mane notably had a row during LFC’s win at Burnley earlier this season, but Keys’ claims here suggest their relationship remains damaged.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be a problem for Liverpool, however, with there often being high-profile cases of team-mates at successful clubs who didn’t get on, most notably Teddy Sheringham and Andrew Cole at Manchester United, as has been widely reported by the Mirror and others.
Zimbabwe Cricket has named two strong squads to face English counties Derbyshire and Durham across three formats starting this weekend.
The Zimbabwe Select side picked to take on Derbyshire in two T20 matches, two 50-over games and two three-day fixtures at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo includes Under-19 stars Wesley Madhevere, Milton Shumba and Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Luke Jongwe, who is in a rich vein of form on the domestic front, has also been named in that squad alongside Zimbabwe Test captain Sean Williams and the experienced duo of Elton Chigumbura and Peter Moor.
Meanwhile, the Chairman’s XI side that will face Durham in two three-day matches scheduled for Harare Sports Club in the capital boasts seven players who featured in Zimbabwe’s most recent Test match against Bangladesh – Kevin Kasuza, Prince Masvaure, Brian Mudzinganyama, Victor Nyauchi, Carl Mumba, Ainsley Ndlovu and Regis Chakabva.
Tendai Chatara and Ryan Burl, both sidelined by injury since January, are now fit and were included in that squad too together with fellow internationals Tarisai Musakanda, Brandon Mavuta and Shingirai Masakadza.
Stuart Matsikenyeri will coach the Zimbabwe Select team, while Douglas Hondo will be in charge of the Chairman’s XI side.
Led by former Zimbabwe captain and coach Dave Houghton who is their head of cricket, Derbyshire arrived in Harare on Monday for their first ever visit to the country.
Durham, who toured Zimbabwe in the 1991/92 season, are expected to land in the capital on Friday.
Dave Houghton
SQUADS
Zimbabwe Select:
Brian Chari, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Joylord Gumbie, Elton Chigumbura, Luke Jongwe, Faraz Akram, Neville Madziva, Richard Ngarava, Charlton Tshuma, Tendai Chisoro, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Tadiwanashe Marumani
Chairman’s XI:
Kevin Kasuza, Prince Masvaure, Brian Mudzinganyama, Remembrance Nyathi, Tarisai Musakanda, Ryan Burl, Roy Kaia, Tinashe Nenhunzi, Victor Nyauchi, Tendai Chatara, Carl Mumba, Ainsley Ndlovu, William Mashinge, Brandon Mavuta, Tapiwa Mufudza, Johnathan Campbell, Shingirai Masakadza
Farai Dziva|The South Africa Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed the venue where Zimbabwe will ‘host’ Algeria in an AFCON 2021 Group H qualifier later this month.
The Warriors will play the Desert Foxes on foreign soil owing to a stadium ban imposed on all stadiums in the country by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) citing lack of set international standards.
According to South African publication Kick Off, an official from SAFA confirmed the venue of the blockbuster showdown to be Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Gay Mokoena, the acting CEO said:
“Yes, at Orlando Stadium. The Zimbabweans requested us to assist them to arrange for the game here. We are looking at Dobsonville or Orlando Stadium. I think they are settling for Orlando Stadium.”
Aston Villa and Zimbabwe international midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has described Monday’s 0-4 loss to Leicester City as ‘disappointing’ and ‘difficult’, highlighting that they (the players) feel the pain felt by the club’s fans.
A brace apiece from on-song Jamie Vardy and Harve Barnes ensured a tough night for Dean Smith’s men at the King Power Stadium , a defet which Nakamba has reflected on.
“It was a difficult night for us. We’re really disappointed, even more so for the fans, they are really disappointed also,” he told the club’s website.
“We feel what they’re going through, we feel the pain. We can’t change what’s happened in the past now. As a group, we just need to give once more 100%.” added the former Club Brugge man.-Soccer 24
Algeria could host the Zimbabwe national team in an empty stadium following latest developments in the North African country.
The Warriors will clash against the Desert Foxes in Blida on the 26th of this month in the Afcon qualifiers.
The Government of Algeria banned all public gatherings on Tuesday due the coranavirus outbreak, and the directive has affected the remaining fixtures in the top-flight league which will now be played behind closed doors.
The country has so far recorded nineteen confirmed cases of the deadly virus.
And what will greatly affect the Algeria-Warriors game is the fact that the hosting province is the most affected part with 16 of the cases confirmed there.
Posting on Twitter, the League confirmed the news, saying: “The Algerian Government, as instructed by the President of the country, has announced that all remaining matches of Algerian #Ligue1DZ season will be played behind closed doors due to the #coronavirus#Africa.”
The campaign is left with nine rounds which will wrap-up in mid-May.
Should the outbreak continues to escalate, the games could be suspended, a development which has happened in the Italian Serie A.
This will likely see the Afcon qualifier moved to a neutral venue or postponed to another date.
Meanwhile, the second leg of the fixture has been set for Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa on the 29th of March.
Zimbabwe will host the match on foreign soil after its stadiums were condemned by CAF.-Soccer 24
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
Farai Dziva|Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid’s quest to overturn the 2-1 deficit suffered in the first leg of the Champions League clash against Manchester City has been dealt a blow after they confirmed two of their key players will miss the return leg due to injury.
Goalkeeper Thibart Curtois and left-back Mercelo will not be part of the travelling squad to the Etihad next Tuesday.
Tests carried out on the Belgian goalkeeper revealed a diagnoses on his his left adductor muscle while the Brazilian has a muscle injury on his left harm-string.
Los Blancos will be looking to come back from the defeat suffered at the Santiago Bernabeu through goals by Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bryune.-
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe Online Health Centre, a digital platform for health awareness, has urged the nation to remain alert as COVID-19 continues to ravage the world.
See below a statement compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre director, Dr Ellane Simon:
The COVID-19 virus is crown shaped.
It affects both animals and humans and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Anyone anywhere can be infected by the virus. It infects people through coughing and sneezing, touching an infected person’s hands or face or touching infected objects an infected person has touched.
It is like all the other viruses that cause common cold and is common in winter.
Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a feeling of being unwell. In people with an immunocompromised immune system such as children, elderly, those with heart diseases they might develop respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
There are ways one can protect themselves from catching the virus. Prevention methods include: washing hands with soap and water or using a hand rub always. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with infected people. Those infected should also cover their nose, mouth when coughing.
No vaccine or treatment is available for COVID-19.
However if infected one needs plenty of rest, lots of fluids and manage the symptoms such as sore throat, fever. If there is a pneumonia or bronchitis one should also receive appropriate treatment for that respiratory tract infection.
Because this is a communicable virus it spreads fast therefore always protect yourself and your community.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Outspoken Norton MP blasts absent Ministers, says they are wasting state resources. ..watch video below :
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
The MDC National Standing Committee (NSC) met today(Tuesday) and restated the Congress resolutions of May 2019 – pursuant to the big five fights as articulated in #Agenda2020.
The party is currently mobilising Zimbabweans across the country for a big political action to push for a people’s government.
The people’s party resolved to work with all progressive forces in pushing for a peaceful and non-violent people’s action meant to return the country to legitimacy and democracy.
The people’s party took hours deliberating on the deteriorating situation across the country, the threat of the corona virus, hunger and starvation, the collapsed social services sector, the sky-rocketing fees and food prices, the power and fuel shortages and the general high cost of living that has affected every household in Zimbabwe.
To this end, it was resolved that, a big political action be mobilised and organised.
The NSC also noted that the people’s party’s call and quest for genuine and sincere dialogue to resolve the national situation has been spurned and turned down by Mr. Mnangagwa.
The people’s party has therefore drawn a line in the sand until the possibility of dialogue becomes a viable and available option.
The NSC received a report of the state, health and hygiene of the people’s party. In this regard the NSC discussed the persistent and desperate machinations by the illegitimate regime to portray the people’s party as a house in turmoil by manufacturing fake letters and false communication in the names of certain of our leaders.
To this end, Senator Morgen Komichi, a respected people’s party leader himself, took advantage of today’s meeting to dismiss the false communication manufactured in his name.
He also reaffirmed his unstinting faith and loyalty to the party and its leadership and expressed his undying faith in the MDC as the sole repository of hope for the people of Zimbabwe.
The people’s party leadership also discussed and noted the need for message discipline and consistency and emphasized that all communication be done by its relevant designated officials.
The people’s party notes with extreme concern the deteriorating health situation in the country and in particular the threat of the corona virus, and has since directed the Secretary for Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera to actively state the position of the people’s party on the matter.
Zimbabweans are demanding for a people’s government, an improvement of their livelihoods and restoration of their dignity, a decisive end to corruption, respect of human rights and a return to constitutionalism and democracy.
ChangeThatDelivers
MDC Communications
Farai Dziva|Senator Morgen Komichi has distanced himself from a purported resignation letter written in his name last week.
See MDC statement below :
MDC Mobilises Zimbabweans For Political Action
The MDC National Standing Committee (NSC) met today(Tuesday) and restated the Congress resolutions of May 2019 – pursuant to the big five fights as articulated in #Agenda2020.
The party is currently mobilising Zimbabweans across the country for a big political action to push for a people’s government.
The people’s party resolved to work with all progressive forces in pushing for a peaceful and non-violent people’s action meant to return the country to legitimacy and democracy.
The people’s party took hours deliberating on the deteriorating situation across the country, the threat of the corona virus, hunger and starvation, the collapsed social services sector, the sky-rocketing fees and food prices, the power and fuel shortages and the general high cost of living that has affected every household in Zimbabwe.
To this end, it was resolved that, a big political action be mobilised and organised.
The NSC also noted that the people’s party’s call and quest for genuine and sincere dialogue to resolve the national situation has been spurned and turned down by Mr. Mnangagwa.
The people’s party has therefore drawn a line in the sand until the possibility of dialogue becomes a viable and available option.
The NSC received a report of the state, health and hygiene of the people’s party. In this regard the NSC discussed the persistent and desperate machinations by the illegitimate regime to portray the people’s party as a house in turmoil by manufacturing fake letters and false communication in the names of certain of our leaders.
To this end, Senator Morgen Komichi, a respected people’s party leader himself, took advantage of today’s meeting to dismiss the false communication manufactured in his name.
He also reaffirmed his unstinting faith and loyalty to the party and its leadership and expressed his undying faith in the MDC as the sole repository of hope for the people of Zimbabwe.
The people’s party leadership also discussed and noted the need for message discipline and consistency and emphasized that all communication be done by its relevant designated officials.
The people’s party notes with extreme concern the deteriorating health situation in the country and in particular the threat of the corona virus, and has since directed the Secretary for Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera to actively state the position of the people’s party on the matter.
Zimbabweans are demanding for a people’s government, an improvement of their livelihoods and restoration of their dignity, a decisive end to corruption, respect of human rights and a return to constitutionalism and democracy.
ChangeThatDelivers
MDC Communications
Farai Dziva|Senator Morgen Komichi has distanced himself from a purported resignation letter written in his name last week.
See MDC statement below :
MDC Mobilises Zimbabweans For Political Action
The MDC National Standing Committee (NSC) met today(Tuesday) and restated the Congress resolutions of May 2019 – pursuant to the big five fights as articulated in #Agenda2020.
The party is currently mobilising Zimbabweans across the country for a big political action to push for a people’s government.
The people’s party resolved to work with all progressive forces in pushing for a peaceful and non-violent people’s action meant to return the country to legitimacy and democracy.
The people’s party took hours deliberating on the deteriorating situation across the country, the threat of the corona virus, hunger and starvation, the collapsed social services sector, the sky-rocketing fees and food prices, the power and fuel shortages and the general high cost of living that has affected every household in Zimbabwe.
To this end, it was resolved that, a big political action be mobilised and organised.
The NSC also noted that the people’s party’s call and quest for genuine and sincere dialogue to resolve the national situation has been spurned and turned down by Mr. Mnangagwa.
The people’s party has therefore drawn a line in the sand until the possibility of dialogue becomes a viable and available option.
The NSC received a report of the state, health and hygiene of the people’s party. In this regard the NSC discussed the persistent and desperate machinations by the illegitimate regime to portray the people’s party as a house in turmoil by manufacturing fake letters and false communication in the names of certain of our leaders.
To this end, Senator Morgen Komichi, a respected people’s party leader himself, took advantage of today’s meeting to dismiss the false communication manufactured in his name.
He also reaffirmed his unstinting faith and loyalty to the party and its leadership and expressed his undying faith in the MDC as the sole repository of hope for the people of Zimbabwe.
The people’s party leadership also discussed and noted the need for message discipline and consistency and emphasized that all communication be done by its relevant designated officials.
The people’s party notes with extreme concern the deteriorating health situation in the country and in particular the threat of the corona virus, and has since directed the Secretary for Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera to actively state the position of the people’s party on the matter.
Zimbabweans are demanding for a people’s government, an improvement of their livelihoods and restoration of their dignity, a decisive end to corruption, respect of human rights and a return to constitutionalism and democracy.
ChangeThatDelivers
MDC Communications
PRESS STATEMENT
STATEMENT BY HON. PROF. MTHULI NCUBE, MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CURRENCY STABILISATION TASK FORCE
MEASURES TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE RATE AND REDUCE INFLATION
Distinguished Captains of Banking and Industry, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am addressing you today against a background of recent exchange rate volatility, which has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.
In this regard, Government is taking measures to stabilise the exchange rate and top bring down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.
Macro-economic stability is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, critical for economic growth and the achievement of the goals set out in H.E.’s Vision 2030.
In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence, to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a
Currency Stabilisation Task Force has been set up. This will be spear-headed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and will include members of the MPC and PAC.
The Task Force will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and will meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that the measures that I outline below are expeditiously implemented.
The Task Force will put in place additional policy measures, where necessary.
Let me now give you a broad outline of the measures that have been agreed to and that are currently under implementation:
I. FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF A MANAGED FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM:
Zimbabwe has had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform for a long time.
Consequently, official rates have not been effectively determined, while a thriving parallel market has developed.
To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined.
The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their Authorised Dealers.
The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions.
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary. This mechanism will be immediately operational. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through the interbank market which will use a market determined exchange rate.
The specific steps and measures to be taken by Government and key stakeholders to ensure the success of this system are as follows:
b. BANKS WILL BE THE MARKET MAKERS. THE REUTERS SYSTEM WILL GENERATE A DAILY EXCHANGE RATE IN AN A.M. AND P.M. FIX.
c. BANKS WILL CHARGE BUREAUX VERY THIN MARGINS ON TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE ROUTED THROUGH THEM AS THE AUTHORISED DEALERS.
THEY CAN TRADE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AT +/- 5% OF DAILY FX FIX.
c. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM FLOAT OF USD 20,000.
d. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL CASH AVAILABLE FROM RBZ SUBJECT TO DAILY LIMITS. CASH PURCHASES CAN BE PAID FOR IN ZWL AT 1:1 OR USD AT DAILY EXCHANGE RATE. ALL BUREAUX REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE DEMAND DRIVEN.
e. BUREAUX CAN USE EXCESS USD TO PURCHASE ZWL CASH FROM RBZ.
c. SHALL MAINTAIN A FULLY OPERATIONALISE REUTERS TRADING DESK IN TRADING ROOM SO THAT BIDS/OFFERS BY BANKS ON REUTERS SYSTEM CAN BE MONITORED AND INFLUENCED IF REQUIRED.
d. WILL LIBERALISE USE OF FREE FUNDS FOR IMPORTATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES. THIS PROCESS HAS ALREADY COMMENCED WITH DIRECT FUEL IMPORTS.
OTHER MEASURES TO LIBERALISE THE USE OF FREE FUNDS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.
e. SHALL RELEASE ANY SURPLUS FUNDS BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SERVICING ESSENTIAL DEBT AND OTHER PRIORITY GOVERNMENT USES INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET ON A DAILY BASIS.
f. SHALL PROVIDE THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND MPC WITH PRECISE DATA ON DAILY/WEEKLY FOREX INFLOWS AND ESTIMATED AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR RELEASE INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET.
g. WILL DISCONTINUE USE OF LC’S GRADUALLY AND ENCOURAGE ALL IMPORTERS, INCLUDING FUEL IMPORTERS, TO ACCESS FX THROUGH THE INTERBANK MARKET. IN THE INTERIM ALL LC’S SHOULD BE ISSUED AT DAILY
INTERBANK RATE.
h. WILL WORK WITH MAJOR IMPORTERS TO ASSESS AND SMOOTH THEIR FX DEMAND.
i. WILL WORK WITH SMALL BANKS WHO DO NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPORTER CLIENTS TO ACCESS FOREX FROM THE INTERBANK MARKET.
II. SUPPORTING MEASURES RELATING TO MONEY SUPPLY, LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT AND INTEREST RATES:
To support the success of the new foreign exchange management system, the following measures are to be put in place. It should be noted that all these measures are part of our de-dollarization Road Map. So they will be introduced in a phased but time bound manner.
Government is cognisant of the fact that unrestrained increases in money supply are one of the fundamental causes of inflation and the depreciation of the exchange rate. Indeed, hyperinflation prior to 2009 was caused precisely by this factor. In view of this the existing framework of fiscal and monetary discipline will reinforced as follows:
IN LINE WITH THIS GOAL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT HAS A CASH SURPLUS OF OVER ZWL3 BILLION.
b. WILL PROJECT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR AND ANNOUNCE ITS TB ISSUANCE CALENDAR, IF SUCH FINANCING IS REQUIRED.
c. ENSURE THAT ALL TB ISSUANCE FOR OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS WILL BE APPROVED BY THE MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE.
d. WILL SMOOTHEN EXPENDITURE DISBURSEMENTS SO THAT LARGE OR LUMPY
ZWL PAYMENTS ARE NOT BUNCHED WHICH WOULD DISRUPT THE FOREIGN
EXCHANGE MARKET.
e. UNDERPIN THE USE OF THE ZWL BY IMPLEMENTING THE PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES, DUTIES, FEES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT CHARGES IN ZWL IN A PHASED BUT TIME BOUND MANNER.
b. INTRODUCE MINIMUM INTEREST RATES ON ALL DEPOSITS, INCLUDING TRUST ACCOUNTS UNDERPINNING MOBILE BANKING WALLETS, TO INCENTIVIZE SAVINGS AND ENCOURAGE HOLDING OF THE DOMESTIC CURRENCY.
c. MOP UP EXCESS LIQUIDITY BEING HELD BY CORPORATES AND OTHER LARGE HOLDERS OF ZWL IN THE BANKING SYSTEM BY INTRODUCING SHORT TERM OMO CORPORATE BILLS WITH ATTRACTIVE FEATURES.
III. OTHER REGULATORY MEASURES:
To ensure the success of the economic measures outlined above, certain regulatory changes will also be put into effect as a matter of urgency:
a. PENALTIES: Our laws and enforcement regime are not as effective as they should be when it comes to crimes relating to foreign exchange and financial fraud.
The current legal and institutional framework relating to curbing of trading on the parallel market is quite inadequate.
Government will be reviewing all the laws and institutional framework in order to bring them in line with international best practices and more importantly, monitor the effectiveness of institutions charged with implementing the laws.
The sanctions framework for illegal foreign exchange trading, will be enhanced to provide for a range of effective proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, including more stringent criminal, civil and administrative penalties.
b. MOBILE MONEY PLATFORMS: While mobile money platforms have made a significant contribution to facilitating trade and payments in the country, they have also become an instrument which is being used by unscrupulous businesses to illegally trade foreign exchange and undermine the economy.
The RBZ is, therefore, currently reviewing all the regulations covering such platforms. In particular, it is intended to:
Place limits on daily bulk payer transactions.
Ensure compliance with the 2% IMTT on bulk payers.
Additionally, the daily returns being submitted by the mobile platforms to the Financial Intelligence Unit of the RBZ will be scrutinised very carefully by the Currency Stabilisation Task Force to ensure that all transactions are legitimate and are in accordance with the financial regulations in place.
Finally, I would like to state that as the financial authorities of the country, it is our duty to undertake a strong communications drive to explain all the measures we are introducing, and their intended outcomes.
Otherwise, misinformation from the social media begins to rule the day.
I can assure you that it is the determination of this Government under the strong leadership of H.E. E.D. Mnangagwa, to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve
exchange rate stability, reduce inflation, and by the end of this year put in place all the necessary building blocks to achieve high rates of growth, poverty reduction, and the other goals of Vision 2030.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
11 March 2020
Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says government is implementing a raft of measures set to control the exchange rate.
Read full statement below :
PRESS STATEMENT
STATEMENT BY HON. PROF. MTHULI NCUBE, MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CURRENCY STABILISATION TASK FORCE
MEASURES TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE RATE AND REDUCE INFLATION
Distinguished Captains of Banking and Industry, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am addressing you today against a background of recent exchange rate volatility, which has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.
In this regard, Government is taking measures to stabilise the exchange rate and top bring down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.
Macro-economic stability is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, critical for economic growth and the achievement of the goals set out in H.E.’s Vision 2030.
In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence, to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a
Currency Stabilisation Task Force has been set up. This will be spear-headed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and will include members of the MPC and PAC.
The Task Force will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and will meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that the measures that I outline below are expeditiously implemented.
The Task Force will put in place additional policy measures, where necessary.
Let me now give you a broad outline of the measures that have been agreed to and that are currently under implementation:
I. FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF A MANAGED FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM:
Zimbabwe has had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform for a long time.
Consequently, official rates have not been effectively determined, while a thriving parallel market has developed.
To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined.
The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their Authorised Dealers.
The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions.
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary. This mechanism will be immediately operational. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through the interbank market which will use a market determined exchange rate.
The specific steps and measures to be taken by Government and key stakeholders to ensure the success of this system are as follows:
b. BANKS WILL BE THE MARKET MAKERS. THE REUTERS SYSTEM WILL GENERATE A DAILY EXCHANGE RATE IN AN A.M. AND P.M. FIX.
c. BANKS WILL CHARGE BUREAUX VERY THIN MARGINS ON TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE ROUTED THROUGH THEM AS THE AUTHORISED DEALERS.
THEY CAN TRADE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AT +/- 5% OF DAILY FX FIX.
c. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM FLOAT OF USD 20,000.
d. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL CASH AVAILABLE FROM RBZ SUBJECT TO DAILY LIMITS. CASH PURCHASES CAN BE PAID FOR IN ZWL AT 1:1 OR USD AT DAILY EXCHANGE RATE. ALL BUREAUX REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE DEMAND DRIVEN.
e. BUREAUX CAN USE EXCESS USD TO PURCHASE ZWL CASH FROM RBZ.
c. SHALL MAINTAIN A FULLY OPERATIONALISE REUTERS TRADING DESK IN TRADING ROOM SO THAT BIDS/OFFERS BY BANKS ON REUTERS SYSTEM CAN BE MONITORED AND INFLUENCED IF REQUIRED.
d. WILL LIBERALISE USE OF FREE FUNDS FOR IMPORTATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES. THIS PROCESS HAS ALREADY COMMENCED WITH DIRECT FUEL IMPORTS.
OTHER MEASURES TO LIBERALISE THE USE OF FREE FUNDS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.
e. SHALL RELEASE ANY SURPLUS FUNDS BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SERVICING ESSENTIAL DEBT AND OTHER PRIORITY GOVERNMENT USES INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET ON A DAILY BASIS.
f. SHALL PROVIDE THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND MPC WITH PRECISE DATA ON DAILY/WEEKLY FOREX INFLOWS AND ESTIMATED AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR RELEASE INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET.
g. WILL DISCONTINUE USE OF LC’S GRADUALLY AND ENCOURAGE ALL IMPORTERS, INCLUDING FUEL IMPORTERS, TO ACCESS FX THROUGH THE INTERBANK MARKET. IN THE INTERIM ALL LC’S SHOULD BE ISSUED AT DAILY
INTERBANK RATE.
h. WILL WORK WITH MAJOR IMPORTERS TO ASSESS AND SMOOTH THEIR FX DEMAND.
i. WILL WORK WITH SMALL BANKS WHO DO NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPORTER CLIENTS TO ACCESS FOREX FROM THE INTERBANK MARKET.
II. SUPPORTING MEASURES RELATING TO MONEY SUPPLY, LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT AND INTEREST RATES:
To support the success of the new foreign exchange management system, the following measures are to be put in place. It should be noted that all these measures are part of our de-dollarization Road Map. So they will be introduced in a phased but time bound manner.
Government is cognisant of the fact that unrestrained increases in money supply are one of the fundamental causes of inflation and the depreciation of the exchange rate. Indeed, hyperinflation prior to 2009 was caused precisely by this factor. In view of this the existing framework of fiscal and monetary discipline will reinforced as follows:
IN LINE WITH THIS GOAL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT HAS A CASH SURPLUS OF OVER ZWL3 BILLION.
b. WILL PROJECT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR AND ANNOUNCE ITS TB ISSUANCE CALENDAR, IF SUCH FINANCING IS REQUIRED.
c. ENSURE THAT ALL TB ISSUANCE FOR OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS WILL BE APPROVED BY THE MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE.
d. WILL SMOOTHEN EXPENDITURE DISBURSEMENTS SO THAT LARGE OR LUMPY
ZWL PAYMENTS ARE NOT BUNCHED WHICH WOULD DISRUPT THE FOREIGN
EXCHANGE MARKET.
e. UNDERPIN THE USE OF THE ZWL BY IMPLEMENTING THE PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES, DUTIES, FEES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT CHARGES IN ZWL IN A PHASED BUT TIME BOUND MANNER.
b. INTRODUCE MINIMUM INTEREST RATES ON ALL DEPOSITS, INCLUDING TRUST ACCOUNTS UNDERPINNING MOBILE BANKING WALLETS, TO INCENTIVIZE SAVINGS AND ENCOURAGE HOLDING OF THE DOMESTIC CURRENCY.
c. MOP UP EXCESS LIQUIDITY BEING HELD BY CORPORATES AND OTHER LARGE HOLDERS OF ZWL IN THE BANKING SYSTEM BY INTRODUCING SHORT TERM OMO CORPORATE BILLS WITH ATTRACTIVE FEATURES.
III. OTHER REGULATORY MEASURES:
To ensure the success of the economic measures outlined above, certain regulatory changes will also be put into effect as a matter of urgency:
a. PENALTIES: Our laws and enforcement regime are not as effective as they should be when it comes to crimes relating to foreign exchange and financial fraud.
The current legal and institutional framework relating to curbing of trading on the parallel market is quite inadequate.
Government will be reviewing all the laws and institutional framework in order to bring them in line with international best practices and more importantly, monitor the effectiveness of institutions charged with implementing the laws.
The sanctions framework for illegal foreign exchange trading, will be enhanced to provide for a range of effective proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, including more stringent criminal, civil and administrative penalties.
b. MOBILE MONEY PLATFORMS: While mobile money platforms have made a significant contribution to facilitating trade and payments in the country, they have also become an instrument which is being used by unscrupulous businesses to illegally trade foreign exchange and undermine the economy.
The RBZ is, therefore, currently reviewing all the regulations covering such platforms. In particular, it is intended to:
Place limits on daily bulk payer transactions.
Ensure compliance with the 2% IMTT on bulk payers.
Additionally, the daily returns being submitted by the mobile platforms to the Financial Intelligence Unit of the RBZ will be scrutinised very carefully by the Currency Stabilisation Task Force to ensure that all transactions are legitimate and are in accordance with the financial regulations in place.
Finally, I would like to state that as the financial authorities of the country, it is our duty to undertake a strong communications drive to explain all the measures we are introducing, and their intended outcomes.
Otherwise, misinformation from the social media begins to rule the day.
I can assure you that it is the determination of this Government under the strong leadership of H.E. E.D. Mnangagwa, to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve
exchange rate stability, reduce inflation, and by the end of this year put in place all the necessary building blocks to achieve high rates of growth, poverty reduction, and the other goals of Vision 2030.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
11 March 2020
The inaugural Smart Councils Summit is now underway
The Summit will last from Wednesday to Thursday afternoon.
The event is being held at the Harare Showgrounds.
The agenda setting conference is being held under the theme 2020: People’s Councils for Smart Service Delivery.
The People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa is expected to give a key note address.
Other top leaders already gathered at the Summit include Vice Presidents Tendai Biti and Lynette Kore, Secretary General Chalton Hwende, Chairman Thabitha Khumalo, NSC and NEC members, Members of Parliament, Provincial Councillors, Mayors and Councillors.
People’sGovernment
MDC Communications Department
VIDEOS LOADING BELOW….
Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.
Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.
Moyo said :
The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!
Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.
I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.
Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.
Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.
Moyo said :
The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!
Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.
I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.
VIDEOS LOADING BELOW
STATEMENT BY HON. PROF, MTHULI NGUBE, MINISTER OF FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CURRENCY
STABILISATION TASK FORCE:
11 MARCH 2020
MEASURES TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE RATE AND REDUCE INFLATION
Distinguished Captains of Banking and Industry, Members of the Press, Ladies and
Gentlemen.
I am addressing you today against a background of recent exchange rate volatility, which has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.
In this regard, Government is taking measures to stabilise the exchange rate and top bring down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.
Macro-economic stability is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation
Programme, critical for economic growth and the achievement of the goals set out in H.E.’s Vision 2030.
In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence, to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a Currency Stabilisation Task Force has been set up.
This will be spear-headed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and will include members of the MPC and PAC.
The Task Force will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and will meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that the measures that I outline below….
Watch the live video below……
By A Correspondent- Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube and RBZ governor John Mangudya released a statement that says they are putting a system in place that will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined.
Part of their statement reads:
Zimbabwe has had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform for a long time. Consequently, official rates have not been effectively determined, while a thriving parallel market has developed.
To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined.
The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their Authorised Dealers. The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions.
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary. This mechanism will be immediately operational. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through the interbank market which will use a market determined exchange rate.
Watch the live video loading below for the full text of this statement…
By A Correspondent- Two men have been arrested for allegedly robbing a tuckshop owner of groceries worth $3 000 and $2 000 cash at gunpoint.
Dumolwenkosi Dube (27) from Filabusi and Mthabisi Moyo (27) from Kwekwe who were armed with a pistol, went to Ms Nodebate Ndlovu’s tuckshop at Stanton Mine in Esigodini and found her with two other people. They allegedly ordered the three to lie down while pointing a firearm at them before robbing Ms Ndlovu.
Dube and Moyo were yesterday not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing an armed robbery charge. They were remanded in custody to March 17. Prosecuting, Miss Faith Mutukwa said the pair robbed Ms Ndlovu on December 5 last year at around 7PM.
“On 5 December 2019 at around 7PM Dube and Moyo went to Ms Ndlovu tuckshop in Stanton Mine and ordered her to open the door as they wanted to see her. Ms Ndlovu who was in the company of Mr Alfred Ndlovu and Ms Nomalanga Ncube refused to open and ordered the pair to leave,” she said.
“Dube and Moyo began banging the door with logs in a bid to get it open and Ms Ndlovu eventually opened to find out what the accused persons wanted. Dube and Moyo entered the shop while armed with a pistol and ordered the trio to lie down.”
Miss Mutukwa said the pair then demanded cash from Ms Ndlovu and she handed them $2 000. They further took some groceries from the shop and fled.
In another case, two men have been arrested while their accomplice is still at large for allegedly defrauding a gold and diamond buyer of US$3 000 under the pretext of selling him the minerals.
Philip Mpofu (63) from Nkulumane in Bulawayo and Mandlenkosi Sibanda (33) from Filabusi were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Sibanda facing a fraud charge.
They were remanded in custody to March 16. Prosecuting, Mr Mncedisi Dube said the pair and their accomplice only identified as SaThembelani met the complainant Mr Tshiyane Ncube on January 18 and indicated that they were selling gold and diamond pieces.
”On 18 January Mpofu, Sibanda and their accomplice met Mr Ncube at Stanmore Business Centre in Gwanda and told him that they were selling pieces of gold and diamond which were in Esigodini. They convinced Mr Ncube to give them US$3 000 after indicating he would go with SaThembelani to Esigodini to collect the minerals,” Mr Dube said.
He said along the way SaThembelani indicated that he wanted to relieve himself and disappeared. Mr Ncube reported the matter to the police leading to the accused’s arrest. Mr Dube said Mpofu and Sibanda were arrested on February 6 near Marcs Garage in Bulawayo after being chased by the police for about 50 metres. -StateMedia
A second patient has been cured of HIV after undergoing stem cell transplant treatment, doctors said on Tuesday (March 10), after finding no trace of infection 30 months after he stopped traditional treatment.
The so-called “London Patient”, a cancer sufferer originally from Venezuela, made headlines last year when researchers at the University of Cambridge reported they had found no trace of the AIDS-causing virus in his blood for 18 months.
Ravindra Gupta, lead author of the study published in The Lancet HIV, said the new test results were “even more remarkable” and likely demonstrated the patient was cured.
“We’ve tested a sizeable set of sites that HIV likes to hide in and they are all pretty much negative for an active virus,” Gupta told AFP.
The patient, who revealed his identity this week as Adam Castillejo, 40, was diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and had been on medication to keep the disease in check since 2012.
Later that year, he was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a deadly cancer.
In 2016 he underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat blood cancer, receiving stem cells from donors with a genetic mutation present in less than one per cent of Europeans that prevents HIV from taking hold.
He becomes only the second person to be cured of HIV after American Timothy Brown, known as the “Berlin Patient”, recovered from HIV in 2011 following similar treatment.
Viral tests of Castillejo’s cerebral fluid, intestinal tissue and lymphoid tissue more than two years after stopping antiretroviral treatment showed no active infection.
Gupta said the tests uncovered HIV “fossils” – fragments of the virus that were now incapable of reproducing, and were therefore safe.
“We’d expect that,” he said.
“It’s quite hard to imagine that all trace of a virus that infects billions of cells was eliminated from the body.”
Researchers cautioned that the breakthrough did not constitute a generalised cure for HIV, which leads to nearly one million deaths every year.
Castillejo’s treatment was a “last resort” as his blood cancer would likely have killed him without intervention, according to Gupta.
The Cambridge doctor said that there were “several other” patients who had undergone similar treatment but who were less far along in their remission.
“There will probably be more but they will take time,” he said.
Researchers are currently weighing up whether or not patients suffering from drug-resistant forms of HIV might be eligible for stem cell transplants in future, something Gupta said would require careful ethical consideration.
“You’d have to weigh up the fact that there’s a 10 per cent mortality rate from doing a stem-cell transplant against what the risk of death would be if we did nothing,” he said.
Castillejo himself said that the experience had prompted him to come forward and identify himself in order to help spread awareness of HIV.
This is a unique position to be in, a unique and very humbling position,” he told The New York Times.
Sharon Lewin, an infectious disease expert at the University of Melbourne and member of the International AIDS Society, said Castillejo’s case was “exciting”.
“But we need to also place it in context – curing people of HIV via a bone marrow transplant is just not a viable option on any kind of scale,” she said.
“We need to constantly reiterate the importance of, prevention, early testing and treatment adherence as the pillars of the current global response to HIV/AIDS.”-AFP
By A Correspondent- The Government has urged citizens to minimize trips to neighbouring South Africa in the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak which has so far killed over 3, 500 people, mainly in mainland China.
South Africa so far has 13 recorded cases of the coronavirus, amid indications the number could rise, while no positive case of coronavirus has been recorded in Zimbabwe.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube has since urged residents to avoid unnecessarily crossing the border to the neighbouring country in the face of reported cases in the neighbouring country.
“As Bulawayo we first have to observe that this coronavirus is there, it’s very real. We should take precautionary measures that have been laid down by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“We should wash our hands, avoid shaking hands among other things. We should also minimise on our travelling to the neighbouring country as part of measures to ensure that we remain safe from the virus. It is my prayer that the virus does not reach Zimbabwe,” said Minister Ncube.
She discouraged people from illegally crossing the border especially along Limpopo River as they will not be screened for the virus.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- South African health ministry on Wednesday confirmed another six cases of the coronavirus, and this brings the total number of patients to 13.
Four of those infected are in Gauteng.
One is a 33-year-old woman, who returned from Italy on March 1. The other two are a couple, aged 34 and 33, who travelled to Germany and returned to SA on March 9.
A 57-year-old man, who travelled to Austria and Italy, is also on the list. He returned to SA on March 9.
KwaZulu-Natal has one confirmed case.
The patient is a 40-year-old man, who travelled to Portugal and returned to SA on March 7.
In the Western Cape, a 36-year-old man, who travelled to multiple countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Turkey, has tested positive.
He returned to SA on March 9.
“All the patients have now been advised. Those who are symptomatic have started receiving treatment,” said ministry spokesperson Dr Lwazi Manzi.
“Some of these patients are already in hospital, while some, specifically those who are asymptomatic, are in self quarantine,” she added.
The National Institute for Communication (NICD) said as of Tuesday, 3,642 people had been tested in SA.
“We confirm that we have identified six new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country. This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa to 13,” the NICD said in a statement.
“The additional cases were not part of the group of 10 people who travelled to Italy. The patients have since been isolated and are receiving care at a designated health care facility. All tracing of possible contacts that the patients may have been in contact with are being traced.
“The identification of additional imported cases of Covid-19 is not unexpected and is likely related to increasing numbers of cases in other parts of the world, leading to increased importation risks.”
All the cases identified to date had been in travellers from affected countries. “At this time there is no indication that Covid-19 is circulating widely in the community in South Africa.”
The NICD said to ensure an effective response to Covid-19 it had expanded testing for Sars-CoV-2 to include other public health laboratories in the National Health Laboratory Service and laboratories in the private sector.
“It is important to note that testing of persons who meet the case definition is free at the NICD and testing is conducted 24 hours, seven days a week. Active surveillance for Covid-19 among individuals with acute respiratory symptoms will be fast-tracked to understand the spread of Covid-19. If a private laboratory identifies a positive case, samples will be sent to the NICD to verify and confirm the results.”-wires
By A Correspondent- The p0rn0graphic content was unwelcome to the group members prompting them to make a police complaint.
Gweru City Council Director of Engineering services Robson Manatsa has landed himself in a p0rn scandal after he shared p0rn0graphic content in the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers WhatsApp group.
Manatsa is believed to have mistakenly sent the content on the group which was immediately rebuked by the group and he deleted it but it had already been viewed by the group participants.
Acting Midlands province police spokesperson Ethel Mukwende confirmed the police report which is under CR14/03/20. Mukwende told H-Metro that investigations on the matter were ongoing but she could not confirm reports that the city boss is on the run.
A member of the Whatsapp group, Simbarashe Leboho lodged a complaint with the police.
By A Correspondent- Police are currently looking for a Bulilima man who is on the run after fatally assaulting his neighbour over a chicken he suspected him of stealing. The fugitive, Khawulani Ngwenya allegedly beat his neighbour, Mbikeni Tshuma, to death after meeting him at Ntonga Business Centre.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebelle revealed that the incident occurred last Friday in Ntambana Village in Bulilima. I can confirm that we recorded a murder case in Ntambana area in Bulilima.
The accused person Khawulani Ngwenya met the now-deceased Mbikeni Tshuma at Ntonga Business Centre at around 8 PM and began accusing him of stealing his chicken. Ngwenya picked up a brick, grabbed Tshuma by the collar and struck him on the head. He then force-marched Tshuma to his homestead where he is suspected to have further assaulted him.
Tshuma was found dead the following morning along a footpath which is a few metres from Ngwenya’s homestead by a passerby. He is suspected to have died as a result of the injuries sustained during the attack. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. Chief Insp Ndebele sternly urged people to try to resolve any disputes amicably.
As police, we continue to urge people to desist from engaging in violence when faced with disputes but rather find amicable ways of resolving their differences such as engaging third parties. We continue to record murder cases over trivial issues which can be easily resolved. Some of these cases will be as a result of mere accusations such as this case in which Ngwenya accused Tshuma of stealing his chicken.
If at any case someone is wronged, they should let the law take its course and not take the law into their hands. According to state media, the suspect force-marched the now-deceased to his home where he tied his feet and legs before viciously assaulting him with a sjambok. After the ordeal, the victim was released.
Badly injured, he then staggered to a neighbouring homestead where he collapsed in the kitchen hut. He was found the following day at around 2 AM by Mr Mbekezeli Sibanda who then reported the case.
By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe has released the following statement detailing the incapacitation being faced by teachers despite the recent salary hike.
Read the full statement below:
We said it in February that teachers did not need a salary increase but restoration of their purchasing power parity. Those who thought Ptuz was radical need to look at basics. When teachers got that so called salary increase in February a standard pocket of potatoes was $80 cash. It’s now $200 or more; 1 litre milk was $15, and it’s now $27, bread was $17, it’s now $24.
The salary of teachers is being eroded against US$ with US$10 now trading at $400. Rentals are now charged in US$ with a single small room costing between US$30 and US$50; fuel has virtually dried except at garages selling in US$ and 1 litre cost US$1.25. The economy has fast dollarised, never mind the official daylight denials.
We reiterate our long held view that teachers do not need a salary increase or cushion but restoration of the US$520 salary or its equivalent in terms of inter-bank rate. Any other claim is ludicrous lunacy that must be never intertained by trade union leaders worthy their salt. The more things appear to change in Zimbabwe, the more they remain the same.
Yes, the government and Apex talked of continued negotiations after the increase. But have you ever heard of any further negotiations after Victoria Falls meeting? Virtually Nothing. Govt has gone to sleep once again and Apex is deep in its slumber.
We call upon teacher-trade union leaders to smell the coffee and seriously interrogate the plight of teachers. We also call upon Apex to rise to the occasion and show workers fruits of further negotiations that you alluded to from the Victoria Falls meeting.
The cause of workers cannot be surrendered even under difficult conditions. Extra ordinary times call for extra ordinary actions and extra ordinary solutions. Teachers are their own liberators.
Venceremos
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)